How to Change to Log Scale in TradingView: The Complete Guide

Switching to a logarithmic (log) scale in TradingView is a simple click or a quick keyboard shortcut, but it can completely change how you see long-term trends and significant price swings. Think of it as switching lenses on a camera to get a clearer picture of the big moves.

This guide will walk you through how to do it on the web, desktop, and mobile apps. We'll also cover some handy shortcuts, best practices, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Why you might want to use a log scale

At its heart, a log scale is all about percentages. It shows equal percentage changes as the same vertical distance on your chart. This is incredibly useful when you're looking at assets that have seen massive growth over years, like certain cryptocurrencies or high-flying stocks.

To understand why, let's compare it to the standard linear scale. On a linear chart, a stock moving from $10 to $20 looks the same as a move from $100 to $110. Both are a $10 increase, right? But in percentage terms, that first move is a 100% gain, while the second is only a 10% gain. A linear scale can make these very different percentage moves look similar.

A log scale fixes this visual distortion. It makes that 100% jump from $10 to $20 appear much larger than the 10% crawl from $100 to $110, which is a much more accurate representation of their significance. If you're analyzing long-term trends or trying to spot parabolic moves, the log scale often gives you a much clearer and more honest picture.

Quick Tip: If the log scale option is greyed out, try zooming out on your chart. Sometimes it's only available when you're looking at a sufficiently long time period.

Quick guide to switching to a logarithmic scale

Sometimes, looking at a chart on a regular scale doesn't give you the full picture, especially when prices have moved dramatically. Switching to a log scale can help you see percentage-based moves more clearly. Here's how to do it, whichever way you find easiest.

• The Fast Click: Look for the L or Log button on the right-hand price axis. Just click it to toggle the log scale on and off.
• Right-Click Menu: Simply right-click anywhere on the price axis itself and choose "Logarithmic" from the menu that appears.
• Chart Settings: Go to the Chart Settings menu, then find Scales, and select Logarithmic from there.
• Keep the Buttons Handy: If you use this feature a lot, turn on "Scale modes (A & L) → Always visible" in your settings. This will pin the Auto (A) and Log (L) buttons to your chart so they're always there.
• Keyboard Shortcut: For a super-fast switch, just press Alt + L on Windows or Option + L on a Mac.
• On Mobile: Tap the Settings (gear) icon, then navigate to Chart or Price Scale settings, and tap Logarithmic.

What a log scale does

Let's say you're looking at a chart that tracks something over a long period, like the price of a stock. A log scale (short for logarithmic) is a special way of drawing that chart so that percentage changes are what matter, not the raw dollar amount.

Here's the easiest way to think about it:

• On a log scale, a jump from $10 to $20 looks the same as a jump from $100 to $200.
• Why? Because both of those moves are a 100% jump. The chart is showing you moves that are proportionally the same.

This is incredibly helpful because it keeps everything in perspective. It gives equal visual weight to a doubling in price, whether it happened early on when the price was low or much later when the price was high.

Now, let's compare that to a standard linear scale, which is how most graphs are drawn by default.

Scale Type	How it Measures Distance	Visual Effect on a Long-Term Chart
Log Scale	Shows equal percentage moves.	Preserves the true proportional impact of early, large-percentage moves.
Linear Scale	Shows equal absolute (point) moves.	Can make early, significant growth look tiny and later, smaller-percentage moves look huge.

On a linear scale, a 100-point move takes up the same amount of vertical space whether the price is at 200 or 2,000. The problem is, a move from 200 to 300 is a massive 50% gain, while a move from 2,000 to 2,100 is only a 5% gain. The linear chart makes them look identical, which can be misleading.

In short, a log scale helps you see the real story of growth and change by focusing on proportions, not just the raw numbers.

Log Scale vs. Linear Scale: Which One Helps You See the Market Clearly?

Trying to figure out whether to use a log or linear scale on a chart can be confusing. It's not about one being "better" than the other; it's about which one shows you the story you need to see. Think of it like choosing between a close-up lens and a wide-angle lens—each gives you a different perspective.

Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide which one to use and when.

Use case	Log scale	Linear scale
Multi-year charts with large ranges	Highlights proportional moves; trends read more naturally	Early moves look tiny; late-stage moves dominate
Identifying long-term trendlines	Smoother, more consistent channels	Trendlines can bend or break visually
Short-term day trading	Often unnecessary	Usually sufficient
Negative or zero values	Not supported	Supported (but unusual for price)
Percent-based analysis	Naturally aligned	Requires switching to percent scale or overlay tools

How to switch to log scale on TradingView (web and desktop)

If you're analyzing charts where the price has moved a lot, switching to a logarithmic scale can make the trends much clearer. It's super easy to toggle on and off. Here are a few ways to do it—pick whichever feels fastest for you.

Here's how to toggle it using the price axis

• Just move your cursor over the right-hand price scale. You'll see a little "L" button. Click it to turn the log scale on or off.
• If you only see an "A" (for Auto) and no "L", don't worry. You just need to make the button visible, which I'll explain in a moment.

Right-click on the price scale

• Simply right-click anywhere on the numbers on the right side of the chart.
• From the menu that pops up, select "Logarithmic" to switch it on or off.

Head into the Chart Settings

• Click the gear icon at the top of your chart to open the "Chart Settings".
• Navigate to the "Scales" tab.
• Check the box next to "Logarithmic" to enable it.
• A handy note: You'll also see a "Percentage" option here. This is great for looking at percentage moves, but it's a different mode than log scale. You usually use one or the other.

Keep the toggle buttons always visible

• Go to Chart Settings -> Scales.
• Look for the "Scale modes (A & L)" option and set it to "Always visible".
• This will pin both the "A" (Auto) and "L" (Log) buttons right on your price axis, so you can switch between scales with a single click whenever you want.

Use a keyboard shortcut (the fastest way!)

• Windows: Press Alt + L
• Mac: Press Option (Alt) + L
• Just hit the shortcut again to switch back to a linear scale. This is perfect if you find yourself switching back and forth often.

Use the symbol menu near the axis

• Look for a tiny three-dots menu or a mini gear icon right next to the price scale (its exact look depends on your chart layout).
• Click it and choose "Logarithmic" from the list.

Quick tip: TradingView remembers your preference! If you set a chart to log scale and then save your layout, it will automatically open in log scale the next time you use that same layout.

How to switch to a log scale on TradingView mobile (iOS/Android)

Ever looked at a chart where the price has made a huge move, and it's hard to see the details from when it all started? Using a log scale can really help with that. It spaces out the price movements differently, making both the early small moves and the later big moves easier to analyze.

The steps are pretty much the same on both iPhone and Android, even if a word or two looks different.

Here's how you do it:

1. Open the chart for the stock or asset you're looking at.
2. Tap the gear icon (this is your Chart Settings).
3. Look for and tap on either "Price Scale" or just "Chart" in the menu.
4. You should see a "Logarithmic" option. Simply toggle it on.
5. A quicker way on some versions is to just tap directly on the price axis (the numbers on the side). A small menu might pop up with a fast "Log" button.

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If you can't find the setting, don't worry, it happens. Just check these two things:

• Make sure your TradingView app is updated to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Double-check that you're on a standard chart type. Some special chart types don't allow you to change the scale.

When to use log vs linear

Trying to decide between a log and linear scale for a chart can be confusing. Think of it this way: it's all about what story you're trying to tell with your data.

• Use a log scale when the story is about explosive growth or percentage changes over a long period. If you're looking at a chart of a crypto bull run, a tech stock's journey over decades, or long commodity cycles, log scale is your best friend. It keeps things in perspective, so a 50% jump looks the same whether the asset is at $10 or $100.
• Use a linear scale for shorter timeframes or when you're focused on small, specific price movements. If the asset isn't making huge percentage swings and you care more about the actual dollar value changes, a linear view will feel more intuitive.
• A quick tip for drawing lines: If you're sketching trendlines on a long-term chart, start with a log scale. The slopes you draw will be more consistent. Switching between log and linear after you've drawn a line can make it look like the line has shifted, because the way the chart measures the vertical axis has fundamentally changed.

Getting the Most Out of Log Scale Charts

Using a log scale can feel a bit different at first, but it becomes second nature once you get your workflow set up. Here's how to draw and analyze on a log scale without any hiccups.

Draw on the final scale from the start. This is the golden rule. Before you add any trendlines, channels, or wedges, make sure you've switched the chart to a log scale. This way, the geometry of your drawings will automatically align with the log spacing, making your analysis much more accurate.

Use tools that "understand" log scales. Many charting platforms have special settings for their drawing tools when used on a log chart. For instance, when using Fibonacci Retracement, look for an option in the settings like "Fib levels based on log scale" and turn it on. This tweaks the placement of the levels to match the log scale, giving you a proper reading.

Double-check your lines after switching. If you draw a trendline or channel on a linear scale and then switch to log, its angle and where it intersects with price will change. The calculation of the line itself hasn't changed, but the way it's displayed has because the spacing on the y-axis is now different. It's always a good habit to quickly re-check your EMAs, trendlines, and channels after you change scales.

Save your layouts as templates. To save yourself a ton of time, create and save a dedicated template for your long-term charts that has the log scale pre-selected. Then, create another template for your intraday trading that uses the linear scale. With templates, you can switch between your preferred setups instantly, rather than manually changing the scale mode every single time.

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Common issues and how to fix them

Running into a snag with logarithmic scales can be frustrating, but the fixes are usually pretty straightforward. Here's a breakdown of the most common problems and what to do about them.

The Log Button is Nowhere to Be Found

This usually happens for one of two simple reasons.

• It's just hidden: Head to Chart Settings → Scales → Scale modes (A & L) and set it to Always visible. This will make sure the button is always on your toolbar.
• Check your price axis: The log button only appears for the main price axis. If you've hidden that axis, you'll need to re-enable it in the Scales settings to get the button back.

The Log Option is Greyed Out

When you can't click the button, it's typically because the data on your chart isn't compatible with a log scale.

• No zero or negative values: Logarithmic scales simply don't work with zero or negative numbers. If the asset's price or a custom calculation you're using has touched zero or gone negative, the log option will be automatically disabled.
• Check your chart type: Some specialized chart types or complex overlays might limit your scale options as a default. Try switching back to a basic chart type, like a candlestick or bar chart, and see if the option becomes available.

Your Trendlines Look Off After Switching

Don't panic if your carefully drawn lines suddenly look different! This is completely normal.

• It's a math thing, not a mistake: A logarithmic scale spaces prices differently than a regular linear scale. A trendline that looked correct on a linear chart will have a different slope on a log chart. You'll just need to redraw any critical lines after you've made the switch.
• Plan ahead: If you do a lot of long-term analysis on a log scale, it helps to save a dedicated chart layout. This way, all your drawings are made specifically for the log scale and will stay consistent.

Your Indicators Seem to Have Changed

The indicators themselves haven't changed, but the way you see them has.

• The calculations are untouched: Your indicators (like RSI or MACD) are still calculating their values the exact same way. The only difference is the spacing on the y-axis. If you've drawn any angles or lines aligned with the indicator's movements, the visual alignment might shift.
• A special note on Fibonacci: For tools like Fibonacci Retracement, look for an option in its settings labeled something like "Fib levels based on log scale". Turning this on will ensure the levels are drawn correctly for a logarithmic view.

A Quick Note on Alerts and Backtesting

It's important to know that changing your chart scale is purely a visual change.

Concern	Explanation
Alerts	Your price alerts will trigger based on the actual price condition you set, regardless of whether you're viewing the chart in log or linear mode. The alert logic doesn't change.
Strategy Backtests	The results of your automated strategy backtests are completely unaffected. The scale only changes the display; the underlying price data and math used for testing remain the same.

Advanced tips for power users

Let's talk about some next-level tricks that can make a real difference in your workflow. These are the kind of things you pick up after spending a lot of time with charts.

• Combine percent view with log-aware thinking

  • Here's a simple way to think about it: the percentage scale and the log scale are two different tools for two different jobs. Use the percentage scale when you want to compare the relative performance of different assets on a level playing field. It's great for equalizing their starting points. The log scale, on the other hand, is all about preserving the true proportion of moves across the entire chart, which makes those vertical spaces between prices much more meaningful.

• Build hotkey muscle memory

  • This one is a game-changer for speed. Make a conscious effort to use the hotkey (like Alt/Option + L) every single time you switch scales. After a while, you won't even have to think about it; your fingers will just do it. This keeps you in the flow during those intense analysis sessions.

• Use separate layouts for different modes

  • A really clean way to stay organized is to set up dedicated layouts. Have one layout that's your go-to for long-term analysis, with the chart defaulting to log scale. Then, have another layout specifically for intraday trading that uses a linear scale. This saves you from constantly redrawing your trend lines and annotations and keeps each chart's state exactly how you need it.

• A quick note for Pine Script programmers

  • This is an important limitation to know: when you write a script, you can't force the chart scale for someone viewing your indicator. The user is always in control of choosing log or linear. So, if you're designing and publishing custom indicators, make sure your visuals (like lines, labels, and fills) are clear and easy to read on both types of scales. For those looking to create more advanced automated strategies, you might want to explore our guide on whether Pine Script can execute trades to understand the platform's capabilities.

Speaking of custom indicators, if you're looking to create powerful trading tools without the coding headache, Pineify offers an intuitive solution that lets you build professional-grade indicators and strategies visually. The platform handles all the technical complexities, so you can focus on your trading logic rather than wrestling with code limitations.

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Practical scenarios where a log scale really shines

Sometimes, a regular chart just doesn't tell the whole story, especially when things are growing or falling at a crazy pace. That's where switching to a log scale can make everything click into place. Here are a few situations where it makes a world of difference.

Tracking Stocks Over Decades Imagine looking at a company that grew 100 times in value. On a regular chart, its recent performance would look like a sheer cliff face, completely dwarfing its earlier, steadier growth. A log scale makes the entire journey—from its early days to becoming a giant—look like a more consistent, understandable upward march. It helps you compare the growth stories of companies from different eras on a level playing field.

Navigating Crypto's Wild Rides The crypto market is famous for its parabolic surges and soul-crishing drops. A standard chart can make a late-stage surge look like a visual explosion that obscures everything else. A log scale reins this in, presenting these massive percentage moves in a more realistic way. It helps you see the true scale of both the ups and the downs without the chart blowing up.

Understanding Long-Term Commodity Booms and Busts Commodities, like oil or copper, often move in these long, drawn-out "super-cycles" that can last for years. A log scale is perfect for this. It helps you draw cleaner trendlines and contextualize these massive, multi-year swings, making it easier to spot the real, long-term direction beneath all the noise.

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How to Switch to a Logarithmic Chart (Step-by-Step for Desktop & Mobile)

Sometimes, looking at a chart on a regular scale just doesn't tell the whole story, especially when prices have made huge moves. That's where the logarithmic scale comes in—it helps you see percentage changes more clearly, which can be a game-changer for your analysis.

Here's how to switch to a log scale, whether you're at your desk or on your phone.

On Desktop/Web

Switching on a computer is pretty straightforward, and you have a few different ways to do it:

• The Easy Button: Look for the price scale on the right side of the chart. You should see a button that says Log or just L. Just click it.
• Right-Click Method: Simply right-click directly on the price axis and select Logarithmic from the menu that appears.
• Chart Settings: Click on the 'Settings' or 'Gear' icon for the chart, then navigate to the Scales section. You'll find a toggle there to switch it on.
• Pro Tip: In some platforms, you can set the scale modes for 'A' (arithmetic/linear) and 'L' (logarithmic) to be Always visible, so you don't have to dig through menus.
• Keyboard Shortcut: For a super-fast switch, just press Alt + L on Windows or Option/Alt + L on a Mac.

On Mobile (iOS/Android)

Don't worry, it's just as easy on your phone or tablet:

• Tap the Gear icon (settings) on your chart.
• Look for a menu called Chart or Price Scale.
• Inside, you'll find the option to select Logarithmic.
• On some apps, you can also just tap the price axis itself—a quick toggle might pop up right there.

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FAQs

Q: What's the fastest way to enable log scale in TradingView? A: The quickest method is to just press Alt + L on Windows or Option + L on a Mac. If you prefer clicking, look for the 'L' button on the right-hand price axis.

Q: Can I make log scale the default for all my charts? A: Not for every single chart automatically, but you can set it as the default for a specific layout. Just switch to log scale, then save your chart layout. Every time you open that saved layout in the future, it will remember your setting.

Q: Why did my trendlines seem to move when I switched to log? A: Great question! The lines themselves didn't change their calculation, but the way the chart spaces prices vertically did. It's always best to draw your trendlines in the same scale you'll be analyzing the chart—log for long-term views, linear for shorter-term moves.

Q: Does using log scale change my indicator values or alert triggers? A: Nope. This is a common concern, but log scale is purely about visual display. All the math behind your indicators and the price levels for your alerts remains completely untouched.

Q: Why is the log scale option greyed out and unavailable? A: This almost always happens because the price of whatever you're looking at has dropped to zero or gone negative at some point in its history. The log scale requires strictly positive values to work.

Q: Can I use log scale and percentage scale at the same time? A: No, they are two separate modes. Think of log scale as your go-to for understanding proportional growth over time, and percentage scale for comparing performance from a specific starting point.

Q: How do I keep the Log (L) button visible on my chart? A: Easy! Go into your Chart Settings, find the 'Scales' tab, and look for the 'Scale modes (A & L)' option. Set it to 'Always visible'.

Q: Do Fibonacci tools work correctly on log charts? A: Yes, but for the most accurate results, you should enable the "Fib levels based on log scale" option within the Fibonacci drawing tool's own settings. This adjusts the levels to be consistent with the logarithmic spacing.

Q: Is there a quick mobile shortcut for log scale? A: There isn't a universal hotkey like on desktop. On the mobile app, you'll need to tap the 'Settings' icon (it looks like a gear), then go to 'Price Scale' and select 'Logarithmic'. Sometimes a shortcut icon appears on the price axis itself.

Q: Will log scale help me if I'm an intraday trader? A: Generally, it's less useful for intraday trading. When you're looking at small price movements over a few hours, the difference between linear and log is barely noticeable. Log scale really shines when you're analyzing much larger price moves across weeks, months, or years.

Next steps

Alright, so you've got the basics down. Now, let's make this a seamless part of your routine. Think of these next steps as little tweaks that will make a big difference in how clearly you see the markets.

Here's what I'd recommend doing next:

• Flip your main chart to log scale. Go to your primary long-term chart and toggle the log scale on. Once you do, redraw any key trendlines you were using. You'll notice they now fit the price action much better because they reflect proportional moves, not just raw point changes.
• Get fast with the hotkey. In your settings, enable the "Scale modes (A & L) → Always visible" option. This places a small 'A' (arithmetic/linear) or 'L' (log) on your chart. Then, just practice using the Alt/Option + L hotkey. It's the fastest way to switch back and forth without fumbling through menus.
• Check your Fibonacci tools. For any stock or crypto that has seen really big percentage swings (up or down), open your Fibonacci tool settings and turn on the "Fib levels based on log scale" option. This will align your retracement levels with the log-scaled chart, making them far more accurate.
• Set up two layouts to stay organized. To avoid constantly changing settings and having messy drawings, create two separate chart layouts. Set one to default to log scale for your long-term and swing analysis, and keep the other on linear for your intraday trading. This keeps all your drawings consistent and your charts clutter-free.

Layout Purpose	Recommended Scale	Why It Works Well
Long-Term & Swing Analysis	Logarithmic (Log)	Accurately shows proportional price moves over a large range.
Intraday Trading	Linear (Arithmetic)	Better for visualizing fixed point/price moves within a short time frame.

For those looking to take their TradingView skills to the next level, consider exploring our guide on how to set multiple take profits on TradingView to enhance your trade management techniques. Additionally, if you're interested in building more sophisticated trading strategies, our comprehensive guide on crafting a winning Pine Script breakout strategy can help you develop more advanced trading systems.

Finally, the best way to lock in this knowledge is to share it. Grab a screenshot of a chart that looks much clearer on a log scale and drop it in the comments. Explain what changed in your analysis—maybe a trendline finally fit, or a support level made more sense. It's a great way to help others see the practical benefits, and explaining it out loud seriously builds your own pattern-recognition skills.