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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 Auto, Reliance, TCS, 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.
