How to read the OKX contract trading interface?

Understanding the Layout of the OKX Contract Trading Interface

The OKX contract trading interface is designed to provide users with real-time data, trading tools, and market analytics in a streamlined layout. When accessing the interface via the OKX website or mobile app, traders are presented with a multi-panel dashboard. The main components include the market price chart, order book, open orders and positions, trade execution panel, and funding rate information. Each section plays a vital role in executing informed trades. The price chart is typically located in the center and supports multiple timeframes, indicators, and drawing tools. Traders can customize the chart by adding technical analysis tools such as moving averages, RSI, or Bollinger Bands. The order book, usually on the left side, displays real-time buy and sell orders sorted by price level, helping users assess market depth.

Navigating the Order Entry and Trade Execution Panel

The trade execution panel is where users input their order parameters. This section allows traders to select between limit, market, stop-limit, and take-profit/stop-loss orders. To place a limit order, enter the desired price and quantity, then click Buy/Long or Sell/Short depending on the market outlook. For a market order, simply input the quantity, and the trade executes instantly at the best available price. It’s crucial to confirm the leverage setting before placing any order, as this directly impacts margin and liquidation risk. Leverage can be adjusted using the slider or input box, with options typically ranging from 1x to 125x depending on the contract. The margin mode—either isolated or cross—must also be selected. Isolated margin limits risk to the allocated amount, while cross margin uses the entire wallet balance as collateral.

• Select the contract type (e.g., BTC-USDT-SWAP)
• Choose Buy/Long for bullish sentiment or Sell/Short for bearish outlook
• Input quantity and confirm price for limit orders
• Adjust leverage using the slider
• Select isolated or cross margin mode
• Click Place Order to execute

Interpreting the Position and Order Management Section

Below the trade panel, the positions tab displays all active positions. Key information includes entry price, mark price, liquidation price, unrealized P&L, and ROE%. The liquidation price is especially critical—it indicates the price at which the position will be automatically closed due to insufficient margin. Users can modify active positions by adjusting leverage or margin through the margin adjustment button. The orders tab shows pending limit orders, stop orders, and conditional triggers. Canceling an order is done by clicking the X next to the order entry. The history tab provides a record of filled orders, position closures, and funding payments. Each trade entry includes timestamp, price, quantity, and fee details.

Reading the Funding Rate and Market Data Indicators

The funding rate is displayed near the top of the contract interface and updates every 8 hours. It reflects the cost of holding a position overnight and is paid between long and short traders. A positive funding rate means longs pay shorts, indicating bullish sentiment. A negative rate means shorts pay longs, suggesting bearish dominance. Traders can anticipate funding payments by checking the next funding time, usually shown in UTC. Adjacent market data includes 24-hour change, trading volume, and open interest. Open interest measures the total number of outstanding contracts and can signal market momentum—rising open interest with increasing price suggests strong trend continuation.

• Funding rate: Check sign and magnitude to assess market bias
• Next funding time: Plan position entry/exit to avoid unfavorable payments
• 24h volume: High volume confirms price movement validity
• Open interest: Increasing OI with price rise indicates new money entering

Using Advanced Features: Stop-Loss, Take-Profit, and Conditional Orders

Advanced risk management tools are accessible via the order type selector. To set a take-profit or stop-loss, choose conditional order and specify the trigger price. For example, to protect a long position, set a stop-loss trigger below the current market price. The system will automatically place a market or limit order when the trigger is hit. Multiple conditions can be chained using OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other) orders. These allow setting both take-profit and stop-loss simultaneously—once one executes, the other is canceled. Trailing stop orders are also available, which dynamically adjust the stop price based on market movement. To configure a trailing stop:

• Select trailing stop from order types
• Set callback rate (e.g., 2%)—this defines how far price must move against the position before triggering
• Confirm direction (buy or sell) and quantity
• Activate the order

These tools help automate exit strategies and reduce emotional decision-making.

Customizing the Interface for Optimal Trading Experience

OKX allows users to personalize the trading interface. Right-click on the chart to access layout settings, where panels can be rearranged or resized. Traders can save multiple layouts for different strategies, such as scalping or swing trading. The theme can be switched between light and dark mode for visual comfort. Language and unit preferences (e.g., displaying P&L in USDT or BTC) are adjustable in the settings gear icon. Keyboard shortcuts are supported for rapid order entry—pressing B opens a buy order, S opens a sell. Users can also pin frequently traded contracts to the top for quick access. Ensuring the interface is configured correctly minimizes execution delays and enhances situational awareness.

What does the mark price mean in the OKX contract interface?The mark price is used to calculate unrealized P&L and prevent unfair liquidations. It is derived from the average of major exchange prices and is not the same as the last traded price. Liquidation occurs when the mark price hits the liquidation level, not the last price.

How can I check my funding fee history?Go to the Assets section, select Derivatives, then click Funding History. This log shows all past funding payments received or paid, including the rate, amount, and timestamp for each 8-hour period.

Why is my order not executing even though the price has reached my limit?This may occur due to insufficient liquidity or price deviation. Ensure the order book has enough depth at your price level. Also, check if your order is set to post-only, which cancels the order if it would immediately match (become taker).

Can I trade contracts using a mobile device on OKX?Yes. The OKX mobile app supports full contract trading, including chart analysis, order placement, and position management. The interface is optimized for touch, with swipe gestures to access positions and orders.