Why does the slope look different on the same chart?
The shape changes depending on whether the vertical axis is drawn based on price difference or percentage change.
Table of contents
Remember this first
First, 3 things to remember
- 1A linear axis plots the same price difference at the same height.
- 2A log scale plots equal percentage changes at the same vertical distance.
- 3When comparing, align the axis settings of both charts.
A 10 dollar difference is different from a 100% increase
From 10 dollars to 20 dollars is a 10 dollar increase and a 100% rise. From 20 dollars to 40 dollars is a 20 dollar increase and also a 100% rise.
A standard price axis draws equal intervals for 10 dollar increments. A logarithmic price axis draws the chart so that the same percentage change appears as the same height. Start by understanding it as the difference between "comparing amounts" and "comparing ratios."
The difference is clearly visible in older charts
For stocks where the price has changed significantly over several years, a movement of a few dollars recently may feel much smaller than it did in the past. Looking at it in terms of ratios can sometimes make it easier to compare the magnitude of changes at that time.
Neither axis has the function of better predicting future prices. It simply means they display information differently.
If the shape of the lines has changed, check the settings first
A trendline is a line connecting the highs or lows of a price. Even when connecting the same points, the slope may appear different if the vertical axis settings are changed.
When comparing with someone else's chart, check that the ticker, date range, candle interval, and axis settings match. Do not assume the data is incorrect just because the screen looks different.
You should not make such assumptions
“The steeper the chart angle, the higher the rate of return.”
This is simply changing whether to view price amounts at equal intervals or ratios at equal intervals. The company itself has not changed.
Check what you have read.
- Did you check whether it is based on amount or percentage?
- Are the settings for the charts being compared the same?
- Did you mistake the slope for the growth rate?
Apply what you read to the actual screen
Try it on WAPE
Source and scope of verification
Reviewed · Version 2
- TradingView layouts: a quick guideNew window
TradingView · Verify 2026-10-20
Logarithmic scales display equal percentage changes as equal distances. · General conceptual explanation; not a claim of WAPE support features
This is educational material for observation and information comprehension. Hypothetical examples do not represent actual stocks or performance and do not provide buy or sell recommendations.