Trade Distribution
Trade distribution shows how closed-position PnL is grouped across the selected period. It helps you see whether results come from many similar trades, a few large winners, or repeated small losses.
What this is
This article explains how to read distribution bins and when to open the underlying trades.
When to use it
Use this article if:
- average PnL hides too much detail
- you want to find outliers
- win rate looks good but total PnL is weak
- a small number of trades may be carrying the result
Before you start
Important current product behavior:
- the distribution uses closed positions in the selected bot and period
- each bar is a PnL range, not a single trade
- counts show how many positions landed in each range
- minimum and maximum show the observed edge of the selected data
Step by step
Step 1: Read where most trades cluster
Start with the tallest bars. They show the most common outcome range.
If most trades cluster near zero, the strategy may be paying fees and funding without generating enough movement. If most trades cluster on the loss side, the strategy may need different filters, exits, or sizing.
Step 2: Look for skew
A distribution can be profitable in different ways:
- many small wins and rare large losses
- many small losses and rare large wins
- balanced wins and losses with a positive average
- one outlier that hides weak normal behavior
The shape matters because live trading stresses the normal behavior, not only the best historical trade.
Step 3: Treat small samples carefully
A distribution based on a few closed positions is useful for inspection, but not for strong conclusions. If the selected period has only a handful of trades, open the rows and read them manually.
Step 4: Open the Trade Log for outliers
Use the Trade Log when a bar or edge value looks suspicious.
Check whether the outlier came from:
- one symbol
- one time window
- one exit reason
- a funding event
- a fee-heavy position
- a live execution issue
What you should see
After reading distribution, you should know:
- where normal trade outcomes cluster
- whether outliers dominate the result
- whether the downside tail is acceptable
- which trades need manual review
Common mistakes
- treating win rate as enough without checking loss size
- assuming every bar has the same risk meaning
- ignoring one extreme loss because total PnL is positive
- drawing conclusions from too few closed positions
- reviewing distribution without opening the Trade Log
Related articles
- Trade Journal And Export
- Equity Curve
- Activity Heatmap
- Why Live And Backtest Results Differ