How to read a crypto chart
A crypto chart works just like a stock chart — it shows a coin's price over time. Learning to read one helps you understand what has already happened. It is not a crystal ball for the future.
Candles
Most charts use candlesticks. Each candle covers a time period (a minute, an hour, a day). A green candle means price finished higher than it started; red means lower. The thin "wicks" show the highest and lowest points reached in that period.
Trend, support & resistance
Step back and look at the overall direction — up, down, or sideways (the trend). Support is a price level where buyers have repeatedly stepped in; resistance is where sellers have. These aren't magic lines, just areas where the crowd has reacted before.
Volume
Volume is how much was traded. A big move on high volume is taken more seriously than the same move on low volume, because more people were involved.
Try it free
Not sure what a chart is telling you? Upload a screenshot to our free AI Chart Reader and get a plain-English A–D grade with the key levels — for crypto or stocks. Remember: a grade describes the chart, it's never a signal to buy or sell.
When you're ready to buy, our honest comparison of Canadian crypto exchanges covers fees, safety and who each one suits.
Frequently asked
How do you read a crypto chart?
The same way as any price chart: time runs along the bottom, price up the side, and candles show each period's open, close, high and low. Volume bars underneath show participation.
Are crypto charts different from stock charts?
The tools are identical, but crypto trades 24/7 and is far more volatile, so moves can be much larger and faster. The chart is read the same way; the swings are bigger.
What should a beginner look at first?
The overall trend and a few key levels, rather than tiny time frames. Remember a chart shows what has already happened; it is not a prediction of the future.
Plain-English market emails. Pick how often you hear from us.