Intraday Trend and Target Calculator
Calculate potential key trading levels for the current day using the Pivot Point methodology. This tool provides the central Pivot Point (PP), Support levels (S1, S2, S3), and Resistance levels (R1, R2, R3) based on the previous trading day's price action.
Enter the High, Low, and Closing prices from the **previous trading day** for the stock, index, or currency pair you are interested in. Ensure all prices are in the same currency and format.
Enter Previous Day's Prices
Understanding Intraday Levels & Pivot Points
What are Pivot Points?
Pivot Points are a popular technical analysis indicator used by traders to determine potential levels of support and resistance in the financial markets (stocks, forex, commodities, etc.). They are calculated based on the high, low, and close prices from the previous trading period (commonly the previous day for intraday trading).
Traders use these calculated levels as potential turning points or price targets during the current trading session. The central Pivot Point (PP) is the most important level.
Intraday Level Formulas (Classic Pivot Points)
The standard formulas for calculating intraday levels based on the Previous Day's High (H), Low (L), and Close (C) are:
- Pivot Point (PP):
PP = (H + L + C) / 3 - Resistance 1 (R1):
R1 = 2 * PP - L - Support 1 (S1):
S1 = 2 * PP - H - Resistance 2 (R2):
R2 = PP + (H - L) - Support 2 (S2):
S2 = PP - (H - L) - Resistance 3 (R3):
R3 = R1 + (H - L) - Support 3 (S3):
S3 = S1 - (H - L)
The difference (H - L) is often referred to as the "Range" of the previous day.
How Traders Use These Levels (Basic)
- If the price is above PP, it might suggest bullish sentiment; if below PP, potentially bearish.
- Support levels (S1, S2, S3) are areas where buying interest might emerge, potentially causing the price to bounce.
- Resistance levels (R1, R2, R3) are areas where selling pressure might emerge, potentially causing the price to stall or reverse.
- These levels can be used as potential entry points, exit points (targets), or stop-loss placements in trading strategies.
- It's important to use Pivot Points in conjunction with other technical analysis tools and not in isolation.
Intraday Pivot Point Examples
Click on an example to see the calculated Pivot Points, Support, and Resistance levels based on hypothetical previous day prices:
Example 1: Stock A - Bullish Previous Day
Scenario: Calculate levels for Stock A after a day with a strong close near the high.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 155.00, Low (L) = 150.00, Close (C) = 154.50
2. Calculations:
PP = (155.00 + 150.00 + 154.50) / 3 = 459.50 / 3 ≈ 153.17
Range = H - L = 155.00 - 150.00 = 5.00
R1 = 2 * 153.17 - 150.00 ≈ 306.34 - 150.00 ≈ 156.34
S1 = 2 * 153.17 - 155.00 ≈ 306.34 - 155.00 ≈ 151.34
R2 = 153.17 + 5.00 ≈ 158.17
S2 = 153.17 - 5.00 ≈ 148.17
R3 = 156.34 + 5.00 ≈ 161.34
S3 = 151.34 - 5.00 ≈ 146.34
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 153.17, R1 ≈ 156.34, R2 ≈ 158.17, R3 ≈ 161.34, S1 ≈ 151.34, S2 ≈ 148.17, S3 ≈ 146.34
Interpretation: With Close > PP, the initial bias could be bullish. Levels above 153.17 (R1, R2, R3) act as potential resistance, levels below (S1, S2, S3) act as potential support.
Example 2: Forex Pair EUR/USD - Bearish Previous Day
Scenario: Calculate levels for EUR/USD after a day with a strong close near the low.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 1.1050, Low (L) = 1.0980, Close (C) = 1.0990
2. Calculations:
PP = (1.1050 + 1.0980 + 1.0990) / 3 = 3.3020 / 3 ≈ 1.1007
Range = H - L = 1.1050 - 1.0980 = 0.0070
R1 = 2 * 1.1007 - 1.0980 ≈ 2.2014 - 1.0980 ≈ 1.1034
S1 = 2 * 1.1007 - 1.1050 ≈ 2.2014 - 1.1050 ≈ 1.0964
R2 = 1.1007 + 0.0070 ≈ 1.1077
S2 = 1.1007 - 0.0070 ≈ 1.0937
R3 = 1.1034 + 0.0070 ≈ 1.1104
S3 = 1.0964 - 0.0070 ≈ 1.0894
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 1.1007, R1 ≈ 1.1034, R2 ≈ 1.1077, R3 ≈ 1.1104, S1 ≈ 1.0964, S2 ≈ 1.0937, S3 ≈ 1.0894
Interpretation: With Close < PP, the initial bias could be bearish. Levels below 1.1007 (S1, S2, S3) act as potential support, levels above (R1, R2, R3) act as potential resistance.
Example 3: Index Futures - Inside Day
Scenario: Calculate levels for an index future after a low volatility day where the range was small.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 4520.00, Low (L) = 4505.00, Close (C) = 4510.00
2. Calculations:
PP = (4520.00 + 4505.00 + 4510.00) / 3 = 13535.00 / 3 ≈ 4511.67
Range = H - L = 4520.00 - 4505.00 = 15.00
R1 = 2 * 4511.67 - 4505.00 ≈ 9023.34 - 4505.00 ≈ 4518.34
S1 = 2 * 4511.67 - 4520.00 ≈ 9023.34 - 4520.00 ≈ 4503.34
R2 = 4511.67 + 15.00 ≈ 4526.67
S2 = 4511.67 - 15.00 ≈ 4496.67
R3 = 4518.34 + 15.00 ≈ 4533.34
S3 = 4503.34 - 15.00 ≈ 4488.34
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 4511.67, R1 ≈ 4518.34, R2 ≈ 4526.67, R3 ≈ 4533.34, S1 ≈ 4503.34, S2 ≈ 4496.67, S3 ≈ 4488.34
Interpretation: The levels are relatively close together due to the small previous day's range. Price action near these levels will be watched for potential breakouts or reversals.
Example 4: High Volatility Stock - Wide Range Day
Scenario: Calculate levels for a volatile stock after a large range day.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 280.00, Low (L) = 250.00, Close (C) = 275.00
2. Calculations:
PP = (280.00 + 250.00 + 275.00) / 3 = 805.00 / 3 ≈ 268.33
Range = H - L = 280.00 - 250.00 = 30.00
R1 = 2 * 268.33 - 250.00 ≈ 536.66 - 250.00 ≈ 286.66
S1 = 2 * 268.33 - 280.00 ≈ 536.66 - 280.00 ≈ 256.66
R2 = 268.33 + 30.00 ≈ 298.33
S2 = 268.33 - 30.00 ≈ 238.33
R3 = 286.66 + 30.00 ≈ 316.66
S3 = 256.66 - 30.00 ≈ 226.66
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 268.33, R1 ≈ 286.66, R2 ≈ 298.33, R3 ≈ 316.66, S1 ≈ 256.66, S2 ≈ 238.33, S3 ≈ 226.66
Interpretation: The wide range on the previous day results in larger distances between the pivot levels, suggesting potentially larger moves could occur if levels are broken.
Example 5: Currency Pair GBP/JPY - Close near Midpoint
Scenario: Calculate levels for GBP/JPY after a day where the close was near the middle of the high/low range.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 185.50, Low (L) = 184.00, Close (C) = 184.75
2. Calculations:
PP = (185.50 + 184.00 + 184.75) / 3 = 554.25 / 3 ≈ 184.75
Range = H - L = 185.50 - 184.00 = 1.50
R1 = 2 * 184.75 - 184.00 = 369.50 - 184.00 = 185.50
S1 = 2 * 184.75 - 185.50 = 369.50 - 185.50 = 184.00
R2 = 184.75 + 1.50 = 186.25
S2 = 184.75 - 1.50 = 183.25
R3 = 185.50 + 1.50 = 187.00
S3 = 184.00 - 1.50 = 182.50
3. Resulting Levels: PP = 184.75, R1 = 185.50, R2 = 186.25, R3 = 187.00, S1 = 184.00, S2 = 183.25, S3 = 182.50
Interpretation: In this case, R1 is equal to the previous high, and S1 is equal to the previous low. This frequently happens when the close is exactly the same as the pivot point, or very close to the midpoint of the previous day's range. The bias is neutral starting from PP.
Example 6: Stock B - Close at the Low
Scenario: Calculate levels for Stock B after a significant down day closing at the low.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 88.00, Low (L) = 85.00, Close (C) = 85.00
2. Calculations:
PP = (88.00 + 85.00 + 85.00) / 3 = 258.00 / 3 = 86.00
Range = H - L = 88.00 - 85.00 = 3.00
R1 = 2 * 86.00 - 85.00 = 172.00 - 85.00 = 87.00
S1 = 2 * 86.00 - 88.00 = 172.00 - 88.00 = 84.00
R2 = 86.00 + 3.00 = 89.00
S2 = 86.00 - 3.00 = 83.00
R3 = 87.00 + 3.00 = 90.00
S3 = 84.00 - 3.00 = 81.00
3. Resulting Levels: PP = 86.00, R1 = 87.00, R2 = 89.00, R3 = 90.00, S1 = 84.00, S2 = 83.00, S3 = 81.00
Interpretation: With Close < PP, the initial bias is bearish. The levels S1, S2, S3 are the key potential support zones below the pivot.
Example 7: Stock C - Close at the High
Scenario: Calculate levels for Stock C after a strong up day closing at the high.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 210.00, Low (L) = 205.00, Close (C) = 210.00
2. Calculations:
PP = (210.00 + 205.00 + 210.00) / 3 = 625.00 / 3 ≈ 208.33
Range = H - L = 210.00 - 205.00 = 5.00
R1 = 2 * 208.33 - 205.00 ≈ 416.66 - 205.00 ≈ 211.66
S1 = 2 * 208.33 - 210.00 ≈ 416.66 - 210.00 ≈ 206.66
R2 = 208.33 + 5.00 ≈ 213.33
S2 = 208.33 - 5.00 ≈ 203.33
R3 = 211.66 + 5.00 ≈ 216.66
S3 = 206.66 - 5.00 ≈ 201.66
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 208.33, R1 ≈ 211.66, R2 ≈ 213.33, R3 ≈ 216.66, S1 ≈ 206.66, S2 ≈ 203.33, S3 ≈ 201.66
Interpretation: With Close > PP, the initial bias is bullish. The levels R1, R2, R3 are the key potential resistance zones above the pivot.
Example 8: Commodity Future - Crude Oil
Scenario: Calculate levels for Crude Oil futures.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 78.50, Low (L) = 77.00, Close (C) = 78.20
2. Calculations:
PP = (78.50 + 77.00 + 78.20) / 3 = 233.70 / 3 = 77.90
Range = H - L = 78.50 - 77.00 = 1.50
R1 = 2 * 77.90 - 77.00 = 155.80 - 77.00 = 78.80
S1 = 2 * 77.90 - 78.50 = 155.80 - 78.50 = 77.30
R2 = 77.90 + 1.50 = 79.40
S2 = 77.90 - 1.50 = 76.40
R3 = 78.80 + 1.50 = 80.30
S3 = 77.30 - 1.50 = 75.80
3. Resulting Levels: PP = 77.90, R1 = 78.80, R2 = 79.40, R3 = 80.30, S1 = 77.30, S2 = 76.40, S3 = 75.80
Interpretation: These levels provide potential trading targets and support/resistance zones for the next trading session.
Example 9: Minor Currency Pair AUD/CAD
Scenario: Calculate levels for the AUD/CAD currency pair.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 0.9180, Low (L) = 0.9135, Close (C) = 0.9160
2. Calculations:
PP = (0.9180 + 0.9135 + 0.9160) / 3 = 2.7475 / 3 ≈ 0.9158
Range = H - L = 0.9180 - 0.9135 = 0.0045
R1 = 2 * 0.9158 - 0.9135 ≈ 1.8316 - 0.9135 ≈ 0.9181
S1 = 2 * 0.9158 - 0.9180 ≈ 1.8316 - 0.9180 ≈ 0.9136
R2 = 0.9158 + 0.0045 ≈ 0.9203
S2 = 0.9158 - 0.0045 ≈ 0.9113
R3 = 0.9181 + 0.0045 ≈ 0.9226
S3 = 0.9136 - 0.0045 ≈ 0.9091
3. Resulting Levels: PP ≈ 0.9158, R1 ≈ 0.9181, R2 ≈ 0.9203, R3 ≈ 0.9226, S1 ≈ 0.9136, S2 ≈ 0.9113, S3 ≈ 0.9091
Interpretation: These provide potential intraday entry, exit, or stop-loss levels for the AUD/CAD pair.
Example 10: Stock D - Narrow Range Day
Scenario: Calculate levels for a stock after a very narrow range day.
1. Previous Day Prices: High (H) = 50.20, Low (L) = 50.00, Close (C) = 50.10
2. Calculations:
PP = (50.20 + 50.00 + 50.10) / 3 = 150.30 / 3 = 50.10
Range = H - L = 50.20 - 50.00 = 0.20
R1 = 2 * 50.10 - 50.00 = 100.20 - 50.00 = 50.20
S1 = 2 * 50.10 - 50.20 = 100.20 - 50.20 = 50.00
R2 = 50.10 + 0.20 = 50.30
S2 = 50.10 - 0.20 = 49.90
R3 = 50.20 + 0.20 = 50.40
S3 = 50.00 - 0.20 = 49.80
3. Resulting Levels: PP = 50.10, R1 = 50.20, R2 = 50.30, R3 = 50.40, S1 = 50.00, S2 = 49.90, S3 = 49.80
Interpretation: A very narrow range day typically leads to tightly clustered pivot levels. This might indicate potential for a larger move (breakout) on the current day if price breaks decisively above R1 or below S1. R1 equals the previous day's high, and S1 equals the previous day's low when Close = PP.
Frequently Asked Questions about Intraday Levels & Pivot Points
1. What are Intraday Pivot Points?
Intraday Pivot Points are predictive technical analysis levels derived from the previous day's trading range and closing price. They are used by traders to identify potential support and resistance areas within the current trading day.
2. How are Pivot Points (PP) calculated?
The most common method is the Classic Pivot Point formula: PP = (Previous Day High + Previous Day Low + Previous Day Close) / 3.
3. What do S1, S2, S3 and R1, R2, R3 mean?
S stands for Support, and R stands for Resistance. S1, S2, and S3 are progressively stronger (further away from PP) potential support levels below the Pivot Point. R1, R2, and R3 are progressively stronger potential resistance levels above the Pivot Point.
4. How do traders typically use the Pivot Point (PP)?
The PP is considered a key level. If the price is trading above the PP, it is often seen as having a potential bullish bias for the day. If the price is trading below the PP, it is often seen as having a potential bearish bias. Breaks above or below the PP are significant.
5. How are Support and Resistance levels used?
Traders watch for price to interact with these levels. For example, if a price drops to S1 and bounces, S1 acted as support. If a price rises to R1 and falls back, R1 acted as resistance. Breaks above resistance or below support levels can signal continuation of a trend or increasing momentum.
6. Are Pivot Points guaranteed to work?
No. Pivot Points are a tool for identifying *potential* levels. Market conditions, news events, and other factors can cause prices to move through these levels easily. They should be used as part of a broader trading strategy, not in isolation.
7. Can I use this calculator for timeframes other than intraday?
While the concept applies, these specific formulas (based on Previous *Day* HLC) are most commonly used for intraday trading (e.g., on 5-minute, 15-minute, 1-hour charts). For longer timeframes (daily, weekly), you would typically use the HLC from the previous week or month, respectively.
8. What happens if the previous day had a very small range?
A small range means the difference between High and Low is small. This will result in the Support and Resistance levels being clustered very close to the Pivot Point. This might suggest low expected volatility or potential for a breakout if price moves decisively away from the PP.
9. Are there other types of Pivot Points?
Yes, besides the Classic Pivot Points calculated here, there are other methods like Fibonacci Pivot Points, Woodie's Pivot Points, Camarilla Pivot Points, etc., which use slightly different formulas.
10. What inputs does this calculator need?
It requires the Highest price, the Lowest price, and the Closing price from the *previous trading day* for the asset you are analyzing. Ensure all inputs are valid positive numbers.
