Chart redraw rate and the lag between price and pixels
Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2026 2:26 pm
A chart on screen is a rendering of the data, and the rendering has delays. If the platform updates the chart at a limited frame rate, the price displayed can lag behind the actual quote by tens or hundreds of milliseconds.
Heavy charts with many indicators and objects take longer to redraw. On a fast tape, the trader may see a price that is already outdated, and click based on information that has changed.
The monitor's refresh rate adds a small delay as well. A 60 Hz display updates every 16.7 milliseconds, while a 144 Hz display updates in about 7 milliseconds. The effect is minor compared with network latency, but it contributes.
Streamlined charts perform better. Remove unnecessary indicators, limit visible bars, and avoid heavy graphical objects. Use the platform's price display and one-click panel, which usually update faster than the chart itself.
Test by watching a fast move on a lean chart and a heavy chart side by side. The difference can be surprising.
How does a lean chart compare with the usual setup during a fast move?
Heavy charts with many indicators and objects take longer to redraw. On a fast tape, the trader may see a price that is already outdated, and click based on information that has changed.
The monitor's refresh rate adds a small delay as well. A 60 Hz display updates every 16.7 milliseconds, while a 144 Hz display updates in about 7 milliseconds. The effect is minor compared with network latency, but it contributes.
Streamlined charts perform better. Remove unnecessary indicators, limit visible bars, and avoid heavy graphical objects. Use the platform's price display and one-click panel, which usually update faster than the chart itself.
Test by watching a fast move on a lean chart and a heavy chart side by side. The difference can be surprising.
How does a lean chart compare with the usual setup during a fast move?