Session-weighted spread chart: free tools and DIY methods
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2026 6:10 pm
A spread chart showing average spread by session (Asia, London, NY) helps decide where trading is cheapest. Here are some ways to build one.
Free tools:
- MT5 indicators on the MQL5 code base that record spread history.
- Spread recorders that log to CSV.
- Some brokers publish historical spread data.
DIY method:
1. Record bid/ask every minute for two weeks.
2. Label each minute by session (UK time).
3. Calculate median and 90th percentile spread per session.
4. Plot as a bar chart.
Session-weighted version:
- Weight each session's spread by how many trades you take in it.
- The result: your effective average cost.
Example:
- Asia: median 0.8, 10% of trades.
- London: median 0.2, 70% of trades.
- NY: median 0.3, 20% of trades.
- Weighted average: 0.08 + 0.14 + 0.06 = 0.28 pips.
This can be more useful than the broker's 24-hour average.
What tools do you use to track spreads?
Free tools:
- MT5 indicators on the MQL5 code base that record spread history.
- Spread recorders that log to CSV.
- Some brokers publish historical spread data.
DIY method:
1. Record bid/ask every minute for two weeks.
2. Label each minute by session (UK time).
3. Calculate median and 90th percentile spread per session.
4. Plot as a bar chart.
Session-weighted version:
- Weight each session's spread by how many trades you take in it.
- The result: your effective average cost.
Example:
- Asia: median 0.8, 10% of trades.
- London: median 0.2, 70% of trades.
- NY: median 0.3, 20% of trades.
- Weighted average: 0.08 + 0.14 + 0.06 = 0.28 pips.
This can be more useful than the broker's 24-hour average.
What tools do you use to track spreads?