What is a footprint chart?
In one line: A footprint chart is a candle chart that shows how much was bought and sold at each price inside every candle, not just open, high, low and close.
The short answer
A normal Candlestick tells you four prices: open, high, low and close. A footprint chart opens the candle up.
Inside each candle, it lists every price level and how much traded there. Usually split into two numbers: sells at the bid and buys at the ask.
What one candle looks like
Here's a simple footprint candle on a futures chart. Left number = sold at the bid. Right = bought at the ask.
| Price | Sells × Buys |
|---|---|
| 5,012.50 | 40 × 15 |
| 5,012.25 | 220 × 90 |
| 5,012.00 | 310 × 280 |
| 5,011.75 | 150 × 420 |
| 5,011.50 | 30 × 60 |
How to read it
- Most trading: 5,012.00 had the most volume, 310 + 280 = 590 contracts.
- The top: at 5,012.25, sellers traded 220 against just 90 buyers. Sellers were more aggressive near the high.
- The bottom: at 5,011.75, buyers traded 420 against 150. Buyers stepped in near the low.
- Total delta: buys minus sells for the whole candle. (15 + 90 + 280 + 420 + 60) − (40 + 220 + 310 + 150 + 30) = 865 − 750 = +115.
All numbers here are made up to show the reading.
Why it matters
A footprint chart shows where inside a candle the action was. At a level you've already marked, that can show whether buyers or sellers really showed up.
It's a close cousin of Volume profile, which does the same thing over many candles at once. Both are Order flow tools.
Where to find them
Footprint charts need exchange data, so they work best on futures and stocks. Some charting platforms offer them, often on paid plans. Look for "footprint" in the chart type menu.
Spot forex has no central exchange, so a forex footprint only shows your broker's own data.
A common mistake
Reading every number. A footprint chart can show hundreds of numbers on one screen. Beginners stare and see patterns everywhere.
Use it in one place only: at a level you already marked on a clean chart. Our how to read volume guide is the right first step.
Questions
Are footprint charts worth it for beginners?
Usually not at first. Learn to read trend, levels and normal volume, then add footprint detail if you trade futures.
What is an imbalance on a footprint chart?
A price where buys or sells heavily outnumber the other side, often compared on a diagonal. Platforms set their own thresholds.
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