How to Use a Trading Terminal: A Simple Guide for Beginners (Using Zerodha Kite Example)

 

Most new investors open a trading account but feel confused when they first see the trading terminal. With multiple buttons, charts, prices, and tabs, it can feel overwhelming.

This guide explains, step-by-step, how a trading terminal works — using Zerodha Kite as a reference.


1. Logging Into the Trading Terminal

To begin trading, you log in using:

  • Client ID
  • Password
  • 2FA PIN (Two-Factor Authentication)

    This is a necessary security step to protect your money and holdings.

    Once you log in, you reach the main dashboard.


    2. Understanding the Dashboard Layout

    The trading terminal usually shows:

    Left Side → MarketWatch

    Here you add stocks you want to monitor.
    Example: Bajaj AutoRelianceTCS, etc.

    For each stock, you can see:

    • Last traded price (LTP)
    • High & Low
    • Change in price
    • Lower circuit & upper circuit


      Right Side → Account Information

      This section shows:

      • Funds available
      • Holdings you already own
      • Positions (Intraday/F&O)
      • P&L (Profit and Loss)

        Your Demat account is linked here.
        All your long-term delivery shares appear under Holdings.


        3. Viewing Stock Details

        Clicking any stock (e.g., Bajaj Auto) shows:

        • Chart (1D / 1W / 1M / 1Y / 5Y options)
        • Market depth
        • Open, High, Low, Close
        • Buyers & sellers
        • Volume
        • Circuit limits

          This helps you understand real-time movement.


          4. Placing an Order (BUY or SELL)

          When you click Buy or Sell, an order form opens.

          Important fields you must understand:

          (1) Quantity

          How many shares you want to buy.

          (2) Market Order

          You buy instantly at the best available price in the market.

          (3) Limit Order

          You set a specific price.
          The order executes only when the market reaches your price.

          (4) Product Type

          • CNC – Delivery (long-term investment)
          • MIS – Intraday
          • NRML – Futures & Options

            (5) Stop Loss

            Used to limit losses. Executes automatically if the price moves against you.


            5. Order Execution and Tracking

            Once you place an order:

            • It goes straight to the exchange (NSE/BSE)
            • If matched → it becomes Executed
            • If not matched → it remains Pending

              You can check all this under the Orders tab.


              6. Checking Your Holdings

              Under the Holdings tab, you can see:

              • Shares you own
              • Average buying price
              • Current price
              • Total profit/loss
              • Sector & company details

                You can also see:

                • IPO applications
                • Mutual fund investments (if enabled)


                  7. Reports & Back-Office

                  The back-office (Console) gives:

                  • Tax reports
                  • P&L statements
                  • Trade history
                  • Contract notes
                  • Dividend details
                  • Fund transfer history

                    This section is essential for tax filing and portfolio analysis.


                    8. Fund Management

                    You can:

                    • Add funds to the trading account
                    • Withdraw funds back to your bank
                    • Check fund balance

                      Payments are made through UPI, net banking, or bank transfer.


                      9. IPO Section

                      You can apply for IPOs directly through:

                      • Console (Zerodha)
                      • UPI payment mode

                        You can check:

                        • IPO status
                        • Allotment
                        • Listing date


                          10. F&O, Commodities, and Currency

                          If activated, you can trade in:

                          • Futures
                          • Options
                          • Commodities (Gold, Silver, Crude)
                          • Currency pairs

                            Zerodha shows all segments in one terminal.


                            Final Summary

                            Here’s what you should remember:

                            • Login → Dashboard → MarketWatch → Place Order
                            • Learn difference between Market Order & Limit Order
                            • Understand CNC (delivery) vs MIS (intraday)
                            • Track holdings regularly
                            • Use back-office for reports
                            • IPOs can be applied directly online
                            • Always use risk management (stop losses)

                              Once you understand the trading terminal, the stock market becomes much easier to navigate.


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