Free trading journal resource
Trading Journal Template: What to Track and How to Review It
A useful journal captures your plan, your execution, and what you learned. Start with the fields below in a spreadsheet or notebook, then refine your review process as you collect more trades.
The fields to record for every trade
Use these as column headings. Record the planned stop, target, and risk before entry when possible; fill in the result and lesson after closing the trade.
| Field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Date and session | Identify when the trade happened and compare trading sessions. |
| Market and symbol | Group trades by instrument or ticker. |
| Strategy and setup | Record the reason for entry before judging the outcome. |
| Direction, entry, exit and size | Preserve the actual execution details. |
| Planned stop and target | Compare the original plan with what you did. |
| Planned risk | Record the amount you were willing to lose before entry. |
| Result and fees | Track the net result using the same convention each time. |
| Screenshot and notes | Keep chart context and the facts you might forget later. |
| Emotions and rule adherence | Spot decisions affected by stress or broken rules. |
| Lesson and next action | Turn each review into one specific improvement. |
Copy the starter column headings
Paste this header row into a spreadsheet, then add one row per trade. Keep risk and result in the same currency or unit throughout your journal.
Date,Session,Market,Symbol,Strategy,Direction,Entry,Exit,Size,Planned stop,Planned target,Planned risk,Net result,Fees,Screenshot link,Emotion,Followed plan,Lesson,Next actionExample journal entry
This fictional example shows the level of detail that makes a later review useful. It is an illustration of record keeping, not a trade recommendation.
Setup: A planned breakout during the morning session. Plan: Wait for confirmation; set the stop and target before entry; risk a fixed amount. Execution:Entry followed the plan, but the exit was moved early after a pullback. Review: The outcome alone does not show whether the early exit was justified. Compare the screenshot with the written exit rule and note whether fear changed the decision.
Quick post-trade prompts
- What was my setup, and did I follow the entry rule?
- Was position size consistent with planned risk?
- Did I change the stop or exit because of new information or emotion?
- What one action would improve the next similar setup?
A simple weekly trading review
1. Group similar trades
Sort by setup, instrument, session, and whether you followed the plan.
2. Review decisions
Read notes and screenshots alongside results. Look for repeated execution or risk mistakes.
3. Choose one change
Write a measurable rule to practice next week, then check whether you followed it.
For a deeper breakdown, see trading analytics, the stock trading journal, and the futures trading journal.
Trading journal template FAQ
What should I write immediately after a trade?
Save the entry, exit, size, planned risk, outcome, setup, and one factual note while the details are fresh. Add screenshots and a fuller reflection after the session.
Should I record winning and losing trades?
Yes. A winning trade can still break your rules, and a losing trade can follow your plan. Reviewing both helps you evaluate decisions separately from outcomes.
How often should I review the journal?
Make a brief note after each trade, review execution at the end of a session, and look for repeated patterns once a week. Avoid drawing conclusions from just a few trades.