Pick your starting point
Different stages need different tools. This is the clean path.
Template path (fastest start)
Use a futures template that forces correct inputs: ticks, costs, net P&L, realized R, and session tags.
- • Symbol + micro/mini
- • Stop distance ticks + planned risk
- • Commissions/slippage + net P&L
- • Setup + session tags
After 30–50 trades, review: profit factor and expectancy by setup + session.
Get Futures TemplateManual vs ProfitPulse
Spreadsheets can work, but the best futures journal makes review repeatable, fast, and impossible to mess up.
| Capability | Manual Spreadsheet | ProfitPulse |
|---|---|---|
| Tick-aware risk + Realized R | Formulas + consistency become a chore. | Auto-calculated risk-weighted review. |
| Net P&L after costs | Often drifts; costs usually ignored. | Cost awareness treated as core truth. |
| Segmentation (Setup/Session) | Manual tags; inconsistency kills insights. | Built-in filtering context. |
| Weekly Review Workflow | Time-consuming, often skipped. | Dashboard-oriented; reduces friction. |
| Export / Backup | You own the file; versioning is messy. | Export-oriented reporting. |
The futures-specific edge
Futures journaling needs different truths than general “trading journals.” If your journal doesn’t handle these, you’ll misread performance.
Costs are a strategy variable
In futures, costs aren’t “overhead” - they change which setups are viable. You must journal net results.
Tick-aware risk
Record stop distance in ticks + planned risk so performance is comparable across contracts.
Sessions change the game
Tag RTH vs ETH. Many edges only exist in specific time windows.
Futures workflowReview needs real metrics (not vibes)
Win rate is misleading. Use profit factor and expectancy calculators to measure quality.
Platform Workflows
What the best futures journal should let you do
These are the specific tasks traders ask for. A good journal answers them cleanly.
Launch AppBackup, sharing, or reporting workflows. Keep fields consistent.
Start in Excel →Use exports as backups, keep a consistent schema, avoid one-off columns.
Journal Software →Tag by setup, session, and conditions to isolate what works.
Tagging Workflow →Frequently Asked Questions
Best trading journal for futures
Prioritize a journal that tracks costs and risk correctly. For futures that means: tick-aware risk (stop distance in ticks), net P&L after commissions/slippage, setup tags, session tags, and weekly review using profit factor, expectancy, and drawdown.
Futures trading journal template
A futures template should include: symbol, micro vs mini, entry/stop/target, stop distance (ticks), size, commissions/slippage, net P&L, realized R, session tags, setup tags, and short review notes. Start here: futures trading journal template.
Futures trading journal excel
Excel is a strong start if you consistently record tick-based stop size, planned risk, and net results after costs. The typical failure point is manual maintenance: tags, summaries, and weekly review get skipped as trade volume grows.
Free vs paid futures journals comparison
Free options (templates) are best for starting quickly and building discipline. Paid options (apps/software) become worth it when they reduce review friction, improve segmentation, and help you measure true edge with risk-weighted metrics. See: free trading journal.