Candlestick basics

Read a candle

See its start and finish.

Finn, the ChartQuest turtle with his orange shell, jetpack, and gold compass

Follow one candle

The body shows start and finish. Thin wicks reach the high and low.

A full green candle with arrows pointing to its top, finish, start, and bottom

Up or down?

Full green candle with an up arrow; finish is above start
▲ Finished higher
Full red candle with a down arrow; finish is below start
▼ Finished lower

Make a chart

Each candle covers one period. Read earlier to later →

Five green and red candles make a chart that rises overall

Which ended lower?

Show answer

Red ▼. It ended below its start.

Ready to try?

Made by ChartQuest · Illustrated examples · Background: CME Group education