# How to Keep a Backtesting Journal

> Learn how to keep a proper backtesting journal to record results, track setup performance, and turn raw backtest data into actionable insights.

**URL:** https://traderjournal.app/backtesting/how-to-keep-a-backtesting-journal

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# How to Keep a Backtesting Journal

Backtesting without recording results is just screen time. A backtesting journal turns raw data into a repeatable process you can build on.

## What to Record for Every Backtest Trade

| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Date/Time of setup | 2026-03-15 09:30 |
| Pair/Instrument | EURUSD |
| Setup type | H4 Order Block + M15 FVG |
| Direction | Long |
| Entry price | 1.08245 |
| Stop loss | 1.07990 |
| Take profit | 1.08750 |
| Risk in pips/points | 25.5 pips |
| R:R ratio | 1:2 |
| Result | Win / Loss / BE |
| P&L in R | +2R |
| Notes | Clean sweep before entry, aligned with HTF bullish bias |

## Session and Market Context

Also record:
- Session: London / New York / Asian
- News event nearby: Yes / No (high impact news can distort results)
- Market condition: Trending / Ranging / Choppy

## Using Trader Journal for Backtest Trades

You can log backtested trades manually in Trader Journal using the manual import or CSV import feature. This lets you use the same analytics (win rate, profit factor, equity curve) for backtested setups as you do for live trades.

Create a dedicated "Backtest" account in the app to keep backtest data separate from live trading.

## Minimum Sample Size

Do not draw conclusions from fewer than 100 backtest trades on a specific setup. Market conditions vary — you need enough trades to cover different environments:
- Trending months
- Ranging months
- High-volatility events

100 trades across different conditions gives you a meaningful profit factor and win rate.

## Reviewing Your Backtest Journal

Weekly review questions:
1. Which setups had the highest win rate?
2. Which sessions performed best?
3. Were there patterns in losing trades? (wrong session, news day, etc.)
4. Is the equity curve smooth or does it have large drawdown periods?

## Summary

A backtest journal is what separates traders who say "I backtested this strategy" from those who can prove it works across 200 trades in varied conditions. The extra five minutes per trade during backtesting is the most valuable time you spend.