Back to Indicators
Support & ResistanceLeading

Pivot Points

Overview

Pivot Points calculate key support and resistance levels based on the previous period's high, low, and close — including Standard, Woodie, Camarilla, and Fibonacci variations. They are the primary intraday level framework for forex and stock day traders worldwide. Combine Pivot Points with VWAP on TradingView for institutional-grade level analysis.

How It Works

Standard Pivot = (High + Low + Close) / 3. Support and resistance levels (S1, S2, S3, R1, R2, R3) are derived from the pivot using the previous range. Different formulas (Woodie, Camarilla, Fibonacci) weight the components differently. Levels reset each new period (day, week, or month).

Key Signals

  • Price above the central pivot = bullish session bias; below = bearish bias.
  • R1 and S1 are the most commonly tested intraday levels.
  • Price reaching R3 or S3 signals extreme extension and likely reversal.
  • Confluence of pivot levels with Fibonacci or VWAP strengthens the zone.

Common Mistakes

  • Using daily pivots on weekly or monthly charts — match the pivot timeframe to your trading horizon.
  • Not knowing which pivot formula your broker or platform uses — results vary.
  • Treating pivot levels as hard barriers instead of zones of expected reaction.

More Support & Resistance Indicators

Andrews' Pitchfork

Andrews' Pitchfork draws a three-pronged trend channel from a significant pivot point through the midpoint of a subsequent high and low, creating a median line that price is statistically drawn toward. It is a powerful tool for projecting future support and resistance in <a href="/market/stocks" class="text-primary hover:underline">stocks</a> and <a href="/market/forex" class="text-primary hover:underline">forex</a>. Draw it using <a href="/tools/platforms/tradingview" class="text-primary hover:underline">TradingView's</a> built-in pitchfork tool and combine with <a href="/academy/indicators/fibonacci-retracements" class="text-primary hover:underline">Fibonacci levels</a> for confluence.

Bill Williams Fractals

Bill Williams Fractals identify local highs and lows using a simple five-bar sequence — an up fractal marks a potential resistance point and a down fractal marks support. They are foundational to the Bill Williams trading system alongside the <a href="/academy/indicators/alligator" class="text-primary hover:underline">Alligator</a> and <a href="/academy/indicators/awesome-oscillator" class="text-primary hover:underline">Awesome Oscillator</a>. Use Fractals on <a href="/tools/platforms/tradingview" class="text-primary hover:underline">TradingView</a> as breakout triggers in your <a href="/strategies" class="text-primary hover:underline">trading strategies</a>.

Fibonacci Retracements & Extensions

Fibonacci Retracements and Extensions use mathematical ratios derived from the Fibonacci sequence to identify hidden support and resistance levels that the market frequently respects. They are indispensable for traders across <a href="/market/stocks" class="text-primary hover:underline">stocks</a>, <a href="/market/crypto" class="text-primary hover:underline">crypto</a>, and <a href="/market/forex" class="text-primary hover:underline">forex</a>, and pair naturally with the <a href="/academy/indicators/zigzag" class="text-primary hover:underline">ZigZag</a> indicator for precise swing-point anchoring. Master Fibonacci tools on <a href="/tools/platforms/tradingview" class="text-primary hover:underline">TradingView</a> and integrate them into your <a href="/strategies" class="text-primary hover:underline">trading strategies</a>.

Gann Fan / Gann Square

Gann Fan and Gann Square tools use geometric angles based on W.D. Gann's time-and-price equilibrium theories to project support, resistance, and potential reversal zones into the future. These tools are favoured by advanced <a href="/market/stocks" class="text-primary hover:underline">stock</a> and <a href="/market/forex" class="text-primary hover:underline">forex</a> traders who incorporate time analysis. Explore Gann tools on <a href="/tools/platforms/tradingview" class="text-primary hover:underline">TradingView</a> and compare with <a href="/academy/indicators/fibonacci-retracements" class="text-primary hover:underline">Fibonacci methods</a> in our <a href="/academy/indicators" class="text-primary hover:underline">indicator guide library</a>.