How to keep a crypto trading journal
Distinguish the contract you traded from the asset name. Keep spot, margin and perpetual records understandable when exports use different symbols, currencies and fee conventions.
Distinguish the instrument and exchange
BTC spot and a BTC perpetual are different records even when both screenshots show BTC. Use a consistent label such as BTCUSD-SPOT or BTCUSD-PERP and keep the exchange and contract details in notes. These are example journal labels, not broker symbols required by MeowPips.
Record direction, size, entry and exit times, original planned risk, and the exchange's realized result. For derivatives, preserve leverage and contract details in notes; MeowPips does not price contracts or calculate liquidation levels.
Use one money convention per profile
Check each export field's currency. A result in an asset, stablecoin or reporting currency should not be added to another currency as if the units were the same. If you convert before entry, keep the original amount and the conversion method or rate in notes.
Check timestamps too. A 24-hour market has no universal “daily close.” Pick a profile timezone for review and prepare import timestamps consistently. A timezone mismatch can put the same trade on another calendar day.
A record including fees and funding
Fictional example with amounts already converted to USD. A completed perpetual trade has a statement trading gain of $40, trading fees of $3 and funding paid of $2. Original planned risk was $20.
Final P&L = $40 − $3 − $2 = +$35.
Final R multiple = $35 ÷ $20 = 1.75R.
Funding can also be received. Preserve its actual statement sign instead of assuming every entry is a charge. If exported realized P&L already includes fees or funding, do not subtract them again.
Example note: “Perpetual contract, not spot. Original risk $20. Final USD result includes $3 fees and $2 funding paid. Kept the recorded exit condition.”
Do not count transfers as trading profit
Deposits, withdrawals and wallet transfers change where assets are held. Keep them separate from completed trade results. Preserve exchange and wallet records outside the journal for full account reconciliation.
For crypto units above 100, check CSV size conversion: the parser uses a lot-oriented rule for large quantities. Use manual entry and record actual units in notes when the preview does not match the statement.
Review recorded decisions
- Separate spot and derivatives through symbols, notes or profiles.
- Include costs once and keep the correct funding sign.
- Read the original entry reason beside the exit note and screenshot.
- Look for missing overnight or weekend records.
- Compare results in the same reporting currency and explain conversions.
A small group of profitable trades is not evidence of guaranteed future performance.
Start with a clear entry
Start MeowPips free and log a completed crypto trade manually, or prepare a CSV template. Review symbols, size, times and money results before saving. Add instrument and fee context after import.
The beginner guide shows a weekly routine. Compare limits and full-history access.