Why do I see differences in candles for the same symbol and timeframe?

Why do I see differences in candles for the same symbol and timeframe?

You may occasionally notice differences in candles when viewing the same symbol and timeframe across different chart instances. This can happen because each chart loads historical data and starts receiving live market data independently.

Candle differences

When you open a chart, it first loads historical candle data and then starts receiving live market updates to keep the candles updated.

There can be a short gap between the point at which historical candle data is loaded and the point at which live market updates begin. If trades occur during this gap, they may not be included while that chart instance forms the live candle.

Since different chart instances may begin receiving live data at slightly different times, the candles displayed for the same symbol and timeframe can occasionally differ.

Candle values that may differ

Depending on when live market updates begin, you may notice differences in the candle's:

  • Open
  • High
  • Low
  • Close
  • Volume

The difference may remain visible until the chart reloads the candle using historical data.

Impact on shorter timeframes

A short gap in market updates represents a larger portion of a shorter candle.

For this reason, the difference may be easier to notice on seconds-based or lower-timeframe candles. On higher timeframes, the same gap represents a much smaller part of the candle and may be less noticeable.

Candle changes after a chart refresh

When you refresh the chart, historical candle data is loaded again.

The refreshed historical data may include trades that were not captured while the live candle was being formed. As a result, the candle may change after the refresh.

What If...

ScenarioSolution
The same symbol and timeframe show different candlesDifferent chart instances may have started receiving live market updates at slightly different times.
The OHLC or volume values are differentSome trades may not have been included while the live candle was being formed.
The candle changes after a refreshThe chart reloads historical data, which may include trades that were not captured earlier.
The difference is more visible on a shorter timeframeA short data gap represents a larger portion of a short-duration candle, making the difference easier to notice.