BAJAJ BROKING

Notification close image
No new Notification messages
card image
Seshaasai Technologies Ltd IPO
Apply for the Seshaasai Technologies Ltd IPO through UPI in Just minutes
delete image
card image
Start your SIP with just ₹100
Choose from 4,000+ Mutual Funds on Bajaj Broking
delete image
card image
Open a Free Demat Account
Pay ZERO maintenance charges for the first year, get free stock picks daily, and more.
delete image
card image
Trade Now, Pay Later with up to 4x
Never miss a good trading opportunity due to low funds with our MTF feature.
delete image
card image
Track Market Movers Instantly
Stay updated with real-time data. Get insights at your fingertips.
delete image

Difference Between Order Book and Trade Book

Listen to our Podcast: Grow your wealth and keep it secure.

0:00 / 0:00

If you’ve ever traded shares online, you’ve probably seen the terms order book and trade book. Both are important tools for understanding what’s happening in the market. The order book shows all the buying and selling orders placed, while the trade book records trades that have actually been completed. Knowing how both work can help traders read the market better and plan their next move. Anyone with a demat account who trades regularly should know what these two books mean and how to use them.

What is an Order Book?

Think of the order book as a live list of people wanting to buy or sell a stock at different prices. For example, if a share is trading at ₹100, some buyers might offer ₹99, while sellers might ask for ₹101. This list keeps changing every second as new trades happen. By looking at it, traders can see where demand and supply are strongest and get a hint of how prices might move next. It’s like watching the heartbeat of the market — always active, always shifting.

How the Order Book Works

The order book keeps a record of every buy and sell order currently in the market. It follows a simple rule — first by price, then by time. So, if two buyers offer the same price, the one who placed the order first gets priority. This system ensures fairness. By studying the order book, traders can sense whether the market feels more bullish or bearish and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Key Components of the Order Book

  1. Buy Orders (Bids): All the buy orders are listed here, starting from the highest price offered.

  2. Sell Orders (Asks): This section shows all sell orders, arranged from the lowest asking price to the highest.

  3. Price Levels: These are different prices at which traders want to buy or sell a stock.

  4. Order Size: It shows how many shares are available or wanted at each price level.

In short, the order book helps you understand intent — what traders are planning to do next.

What is a Trade Book?

Now, the trade book is a bit different. It records trades that have already happened. For instance, if you buy 100 shares of a stock at ₹150, that entry appears in your trade book. Unlike the order book, which shows what traders want to do, the trade book shows what they did. It lists trade prices, volumes, and the exact time of execution. By checking it, you can track your past trades and see how active the market really is.

How the Trade Book Functions

  1. Records Executed Trades: It logs every trade as soon as it happens.

  2. Price and Volume Tracker: It shows the exact price and number of shares traded.

  3. Time Stamps: Each trade is recorded with the time it took place.

So, while the order book shows possibilities, the trade book reflects results.

Key Components of the Trade Book

  1. Trade Price: The price at which the trade happened.

  2. Volume of Trade: The number of shares exchanged in that trade.

  3. Trade Time: The exact moment the trade occurred.

  4. Order ID: A unique code that identifies each trade.

Together, these details help traders analyse what’s working and what’s not in their trading patterns.

Additional Read: What is GIFT Nifty?

Key Differences Between Order Book and Trade Book

Parameter

Order Book

Trade Book

Purpose

The order book shows all buy and sell orders that haven’t been executed yet. It helps traders see what others plan to do.The trade book records trades that have already taken place. It shows what was bought or sold and when.

Content

It lists pending orders arranged by price and quantity. You can spot where demand or supply looks stronger.It lists completed trades with details like price, volume, and time of execution.

Update

It updates every time a trader places, changes, or cancels an order. This makes it reflect live market activity.It updates only when a trade is completed, storing confirmed transaction details.

Insights

It helps traders understand market depth — how many buyers and sellers exist at different price points. It also shows liquidity.It provides a view of market activity and helps traders identify patterns or trading trends.

Usage

Traders use it to predict short-term price moves and plan their entry or exit.It helps traders track performance, review past trades, and improve strategies.

Importance of Knowing the Difference

  1. Better Market Analysis: The order book helps read market mood, while the trade book confirms real transactions. Together, they give a fuller picture.

  2. Smarter Trading Decisions: By combining both, traders can decide the right time to buy or sell.

  3. Improved Risk Management: These tools allow traders to notice market changes early and respond before it’s too late.

Conclusion

Understanding both the order book and trade book matters for anyone trading in shares. The order book shows intentions, while the trade book shows actions. When you use both together, you get a clear view of how the market behaves. This helps you make calm, informed decisions rather than acting on impulse — a habit every trader learns to value over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

No result found

search icon

Read More Blogs

Disclaimer :

The information on this website is provided on "AS IS" basis. Bajaj Broking (BFSL) does not warrant the accuracy of the information given herein, either expressly or impliedly, for any particular purpose and expressly disclaims any warranties of merchantability or suitability for any particular purpose. While BFSL strives to ensure accuracy, it does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the information. Users are advised to independently verify details and stay updated with any changes. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is subject to change without prior notice. BFSL shall not be responsible for any consequences arising from reliance on the information provided herein and shall not be held responsible for all or any actions that may subsequently result in any loss, damage and or liability. Interest rates, fees, and charges etc., are revised from time to time, for the latest details please refer to our Pricing page.

Neither the information, nor any opinion contained in this website constitutes a solicitation or offer by BFSL or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.

BFSL is acting as distributor for non-broking products/ services such as IPO, Mutual Fund, Insurance, PMS, and NPS. These are not Exchange Traded Products. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions please read the sales brochure carefully before investing.

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risk, read all related documents carefully before investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.

[ Read More ]

For more disclaimer, check here : https://www.bajajbroking.in/disclaimer

Our Secure Trading Platforms

Level up your stock market experience: Download the Bajaj Broking App for effortless investing and trading

Bajaj Broking App Download

11 lakh+ Users

icon-with-text

4.8 App Rating

icon-with-text

4 Languages

icon-with-text

₹7,600+ Cr MTF Book

icon-with-text
banner-icon

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|

Please Enter Mobile Number

Open Your Free Demat Account

Enjoy low brokerage on delivery trades

+91

|