What's in the template
Three tabs, nothing extra:
- Journal: one row per trade. The R and Cumulative columns calculate themselves; side, plan and your state before entering are picked from a list.
- Stats: number of trades, total P&L, win rate, average win and loss, the ratio between them, break-even win rate, expectancy per trade, and the P&L of trades inside and outside your plan.
- How to use: the logging and review routine, in three steps.
The journal columns
| Column | Example | Why log it |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time | 10/05/2026 · 9:30 AM | Spot your costly hours and days |
| Symbol and side | EURUSD · Long | Know what actually makes you money |
| Entry, stop loss, exit | 1.0850 · 1.0830 · 1.0890 | Calculate R: profit divided by the risk taken |
| P&L | 200 | The base number behind every stat |
| Notes | Entered early | The context numbers don't show |
| Followed plan | Yes / No | The most telling gap in the journal |
| State before entry | Calm, rushed, frustrated… | Link your results to your emotions |
R makes your trades comparable even when your size changes: a +2 R trade earned twice what you risked. The win rate and risk-reward guide explains how to read it.
The routine that makes it useful
- After each trade, one row: under a minute, while the context is fresh.
- Each week, 15 minutes on the Stats tab: are you above your break-even win rate? What do your trades outside the plan earn?
- Each month, change one rule, no more. The full method is in the guide how to keep a trading journal.
What a spreadsheet can't see
A spreadsheet adds up well, but it won't spot the habits that cost you on its own: revenge trades taken right after a loss, the hours where you lose, losers that last longer than winners. You would need one formula per question, and keep it up to date.
The template is built to import as is into Kova. Drop it into the free diagnostic: your costly habits are measured in seconds, on your own trades.
FAQ
Does the template work in Google Sheets?
Yes. Import the .xlsx file into Google Sheets (File, then Import): formulas, dropdowns and stats all work. It also opens in LibreOffice and Numbers.
What is the CSV version for?
It's the same journal, without formulas or formatting, for the tool of your choice (Notion, Airtable, another spreadsheet). It adds the exit date and time and the take profit, which let you measure how long your trades last. It imports as is into Kova.
How is R calculated?
R = (exit price − entry price) ÷ (entry price − stop loss) for a long, and the reverse for a short. The column stays empty until all three prices are filled in.
Can I import this journal into Kova?
Yes, as is: the columns are recognized automatically. Drop the file into the free diagnostic or into the Kova journal import.