# Spread trend

The Spread trend box shows the [spread](https://docs.p2pprice.app/glossary/) (the gap between buy and sell prices) as a percent over time. It updates when you change the time range, currency, or exchange filter.

## What is the spread?

The spread is the difference between the average [buy price](https://docs.p2pprice.app/glossary/) and the average [sell price](https://docs.p2pprice.app/glossary/). It is shown as a percent.

- **0%** means no gap. The buy price and sell price are equal.
- A higher number means a wider gap between the two prices.

## How to read the chart

The chart puts the spread percent on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.

- A low, flat line means the spread is small and stable.
- A rising line means the gap is growing.
- A falling line means the gap is shrinking.

## What the spread tells a beginner

A smaller spread usually means cheaper trading. When the gap between buy and sell prices is narrow, you give up less value when you trade or convert.

A larger spread can mean one of two things: the market has less activity at that moment, or demand is pushing the two prices apart.

## Filters that apply

The chart follows three filters from the analytics page:

- **Time range**: the chart shows the spread over the period you pick.
- **Currency**: the chart shows data for your chosen local currency.
- **[CEX](https://docs.p2pprice.app/glossary/)** (centralized exchange, such as Binance): the chart shows data from your chosen exchange.

Change any filter and the chart updates right away.