Summary: This tutorial shows how to export complete MT4 account history, save trade data to CSV, and use it to build an equity curve for performance analysis.




Step 1: Open MT4 Account History Tab
Launch MT4 and press `Ctrl+T` to open the Terminal window. Click the "Account History" tab. By default, it shows the current month's trades.
*(Screenshot suggestion: Terminal window with Account History tab highlighted)*

Step 2: Set the Desired Time Range
Right-click anywhere inside the Account History area. Select "All History" to include every trade since account creation. Alternatively, choose "Last 3 Months" or "Custom Period" to define a specific date range.
*(Screenshot suggestion: Right-click menu showing time range options)*

Step 3: Export Trade Data to CSV (Method 1 – Built-in)
Right-click again in Account History. Select "Save as Report" or "Save as Detailed Report". Choose a save location (e.g., Desktop), name the file, and click Save. MT4 generates an HTML report – not CSV directly, but you can copy data from it.
*Note: For direct CSV export, use Method 2 below.*

Step 4: Export to CSV Using a Script (Method 2 – Recommended for Equity Curve)
Download a free "Export to CSV" script from MQL5 Code Base (search: "Export History to CSV"). Copy the `.mq4` and `.ex4` files to `MQL4/Scripts`. In MT4, drag the script onto any chart. A CSV file is created inside `MQL4/Files`. Open it with Excel to get columns: Open Time, Type, Volume, Price, Profit, Balance, etc.

Step 5: Build an Equity Curve in Excel
Open the CSV in Excel. Locate the "Balance" column (cumulative balance after each trade). Select the Balance column. Go to Insert → Line Chart. The resulting line chart is your equity curve. Add a title: "Equity Curve – [Your Account Name]".
*(Screenshot suggestion: Excel line chart showing equity curve)*

Step 6: Analyze Key Metrics from Exported Data
Use the exported data to calculate:
  • Profit Factor = Gross Profit / Gross Loss

  • Maximum Drawdown = peak-to-trough decline in Balance column

  • Win Rate = winning trades / total trades


    • Reference: MetaQuotes Help Desk – Account History (2025). MQL5 Code Base – Export History Script (2024).