Direct answer
To see candle time in a forex chart, look for (1) the chart’s time axis (the x-axis labels) and (2) the timestamp shown when you inspect a specific candle, such as by hovering or clicking it. The candle “time” you see is tied to the chart’s selected timeframe (for example, 1 minute, 1 hour) and to how your charting software defines the candle’s start and end within that timeframe.
Explanation: what “candle time” means
A candle (also called a bar) represents price movement over one fixed timeframe. “Candle time” is the time interval the candle covers. Depending on the platform, the timestamp you see for a candle typically corresponds to one of these reference points:
- The candle’s opening time (start of the interval).
- The candle’s closing time (end of the interval).
- The interval label shown along the x-axis (grid/scale time markers).
Because different chart applications may label candles differently, treat the displayed candle timestamp as a platform-specific convention. What you can verify is that the candle’s position along the x-axis matches the timeframe selection and the x-axis labels.
Mechanics: how to locate the timestamp
- Check the timeframe. Select or confirm the timeframe on the chart (for example, M15 or H1). Candle time will always be measured in units of that timeframe.
- Use the time axis. The x-axis shows the timeline. Grid lines and labels indicate times at regular intervals. The candle’s horizontal position relative to these labels gives its approximate time location.
- Inspect an individual candle. Many chart tools show a tooltip or data box when you hover or click a candle. This view usually includes the candle timestamp plus price values.
- Interpret consistently. Once you know whether your platform shows “open time” or “close time,” interpret other candles the same way.
You can cross-check the timestamp shown for one candle against the x-axis label nearest to that candle’s left edge (often the candle open) or right edge (often the candle close). If the chart uses the opposite convention, your cross-check will reveal it.
Example checks for reliability
- One-candle verification: Pick a candle near a clearly labeled x-axis tick. Compare the tooltip/candle timestamp with the x-axis time nearest to that candle.
- Timeframe change check: Change the timeframe (e.g., from M15 to H1) and confirm that the number of candles per visible time window and their interval lengths change accordingly. The candle timestamp should remain consistent with the chart’s x-axis timeline and the new timeframe.
- Zoom behavior check: Zoom in and out. Candle timestamps should still align with the x-axis labels; if only the resolution changes while the candle positions remain stable, you are viewing the same underlying time mapping.
Relevant limitations and uncertainties
Candle time display can vary by platform and setting. Some tools show only the x-axis label near the candle, while others provide an exact timestamp on hover/click. Also, candle boundaries depend on the chart’s timeframe and the platform’s candle construction rules, so the timestamp may represent opening or closing time. Finally, without the specific platform’s help/settings, you cannot assume a particular convention—verify it using the x-axis cross-check described above.