Pivot points are technical analysis levels calculated from the previous period’s high, low, and close, used by traders to identify potential support, resistance, and market direction for the next trading session.
How to use the pivot point calculator
What this tool does
It converts yesterday’s (or last session’s) High, Low, Close into actionable Pivot Point (PP) levels and Support/Resistance (S1–S3 / R1–R3). Traders use them to map likely bounce, breakout, and target zones for the next session.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Calculator
- Pick your session / timeframe
- Intraday trading: use the previous day’s H/L/C.
- Swing trading: use the previous week’s H/L/C.
- Position trading: use the previous month’s H/L/C.
Tip: Always use the last completed period—never partial data.
- Choose the calculation method
- Standard (Classic): balanced, most widely used.
- Fibonacci: spaces levels using Fib multiples; popular for targets.
- Camarilla: tighter, mean-reversion friendly for intraday.
- Woodie: gives extra weight to the Open (if field is available).
- DeMark: directional; formula depends on the Open/Close relationship.
If unsure, start with Standard.
- Enter your prices
- High: the highest price of the completed period.
- Low: the lowest price of the completed period.
- Close: the official close (for 24/5 markets, use your platform’s session close).
- Open (only shown/required for some methods like Woodie/DeMark).
- Optional: select decimal precision/rounding if the tool provides it.
- Click “Calculate”
The tool instantly returns PP, S1–S3, R1–R3 (and, on some methods, mid-levels like M1/M2). - Add levels to your chart
- Plot PP (intraday bias line).
- Plot S1/S2/S3 and R1/R2/R3 as horizontal levels.
- Plan trades around the levels
- Bias: Price above PP = bullish tilt; below PP = bearish tilt.
- Range play: Fades near R1/S1 with confirmation (e.g., rejection candle, RSI divergence).
- Breakout play: Break and hold above R1 (or below S1) can target the next level (R2/S2, then R3/S3).
- Targets: First target is usually the next pivot level.
- Stops: Place beyond the most recent swing or just past the level you’re trading against.
Mini Example (Standard Method)
Previous day: High = 105, Low = 95, Close = 100
- PP = (H + L + C) / 3 = (105 + 95 + 100) / 3 = 100
- R1 = (2 × PP) − L = 105
- S1 = (2 × PP) − H = 95
- R2 = PP + (H − L) = 110
- S2 = PP − (H − L) = 90
(Your calculator will also produce any additional levels your chosen method supports.)
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Match the market hours: Use your instrument’s official session times for H/L/C.
- Combine with confirmation: Candles, volume, trendlines, or momentum (e.g., RSI) improve reliability.
- Mind news & volatility: Major events can blast through levels—adjust size or sit out.
- Be consistent: Don’t mix data sources or sessions; keep your method and timeframe steady.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using current day’s (incomplete) prices.
- Mixing timezones/sessions across days.
- Treating levels as guaranteed reversal points—they’re zones, not walls.
- Ignoring risk:reward—always define stops and targets before entering.
FAQ (Quick)
- Which method should I choose? Start with Standard; test others to match your market and style.
- Daily or weekly pivots intraday? Day traders typically prefer daily; test weekly as higher-timeframe confluence.
- Do pivots work on crypto/FX? Yes. Just keep your session definition consistent (e.g., UTC day or your exchange’s roll-over).