Holding Time
Formula
hold_seconds = exit_at − entry_at Buckets: scalp (<5m) · intraday (5m–1d) · swing (1–5d) · position (>5d)
Worked example
Three trades held 10m, 30m, and 1h.
| Holds (seconds) | 600, 1,800, 3,600 |
| Average hold | (600 + 1,800 + 3,600) / 3 = 2,000s |
| Median hold | 1,800s |
| Result | avg 33m · median 30m |
Hold time exposes mismatches between your intended style and your actual behaviour — for example “scalps” you keep holding for hours — and lets you compare performance across time horizons.
The average is pulled by a few long holds, so the median is often the truer centre. Buckets use calendar duration, not market hours.
How TradeJournalOS shows it
Shown as average and median hold on the dashboard, with a hold-time bucket breakdown and a distribution so you can see your typical horizon at a glance.
Create a free account to see holding time on your own trades.
Frequently asked questions
How is holding time measured? +
As the elapsed time from the first entry fill to the last exit fill (exit_at − entry_at), reported in human-readable units.
What are the hold-time buckets? +
Scalp (under 5 minutes), intraday (5 minutes to 1 day), swing (1–5 days), and position (over 5 days).