ChartsPod Footprint Setup: Row Size, Imbalance and Coverage Checks
A footprint is only as useful as its settings. Row size and imbalance threshold change every cell, and coverage decides whether the cells are complete.
Short answer
Set up a footprint in ChartsPod by first confirming the contract and venue shown in the order-flow tool, then choosing a fixed row size in ticks that suits the asset's price and volatility, then an imbalance threshold you will keep constant (300% is a common reference), and finally checking coverage: the first bar with footprint data and any gaps. Keep the same settings when comparing days or tools.
Row size
Row size groups prices into cells. Too small and cells are sparse; too large and structure disappears. Fixed rows make days comparable.
Imbalance threshold
An imbalance compares buying at one price with selling at the adjacent price (or the same price, depending on the tool's definition). TradingView documents a 300% default (one side at least three times the other). Whatever threshold you use, keep it fixed.
| Threshold | Effect |
|---|---|
| Lower (e.g. 150%) | More flags, more noise |
| 300% | Common reference |
| Higher (e.g. 500%) | Fewer, stronger flags |
Worked example: one candle, two row sizes
Illustrative 1-minute BTC candle with a $120 range. At $1 rows, the footprint has 120 cells, most with tiny volumes; imbalances flash everywhere because small numbers produce large ratios. At $5 rows, 24 cells aggregate meaningful volume and a block of sell imbalances near the low stands out.
The market didn't change; the row size did. Choose rows once per asset and timeframe, then keep them. If volatility shifts dramatically, change deliberately and note the date.
Coverage checks
Control names in the terminal can change between releases. If a label differs from this guide, look for the setting that does the job described.
Open a footprint and set a fixed row size for BTCUSDT.
Open the live chart in ChartsPodFix row size and imbalance threshold, verify coverage, and record settings with every observation.
Related: Choosing a Crypto Footprint Platform: Exact Trades or Estimated Flow?, ChartsPod Footprint vs Volume Profile: Choose the View for Your Question, How to Diagnose Missing Order-Flow Data in ChartsPod.
See Footprint Setup on live data in the free ChartsPod terminal.
Open the ChartsPod terminalQuestions readers ask
What row size should I use for BTC?
One that gives roughly 10–30 cells on a typical candle at your interval; fix it once chosen.
What is a good imbalance threshold?
300% is a common reference; consistency matters more than the exact value.
Why are some footprint bars empty?
Coverage gaps or disconnections; see the missing order-flow guide.
Sources and methodology
ChartsPod capabilities were checked against its public overview, documentation index, markets and indicator pages on 17 October 2026. Exact control names inside the terminal can change between releases, so this guide describes what to set and check rather than quoting menu labels. Venue availability is shown per tool in the terminal. Worked examples use illustrative numbers.
- ChartsPod: product overview, pricing and FAQ — free terminal, venues, modules, no order placement; checked 17 Oct 2026.
- TradingView: Volume footprint charts, a complete guide — intrabar method, row size, imbalance, repainting.
- ChartsPod documentation — guides for order flow, derivatives, alerts, backtests, journal and workspaces.
This article explains research tools and workflows. It is not financial advice, does not recommend buying or selling any asset and does not predict prices. Crypto derivatives carry a risk of rapid and total loss of margin.
CHARTSPOD EDITORIAL EDITION · RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ONLY · NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE.