Pivot Point Calculator

What are pivot points?

Pivot points are support and resistance levels calculated from the previous period's high, low and close. Day traders usually use the prior day's data to get levels for today. Swing traders may use weekly or monthly data instead.

Because the inputs are the same for everyone, many traders watch the same prices, so pivots often act as reaction zones in liquid markets such as EURUSD, gold, US indices and Bitcoin. The R levels above and S levels below serve as targets, entry zones or stop references.

Pivot point formulas

H = previous high, L = previous low, C = previous close, O = previous open, Range = H − L.

Classic:    P = (H + L + C) / 3
            R1 = 2P − L        S1 = 2P − H
            R2 = P + Range     S2 = P − Range
            R3 = H + 2(P − L)  S3 = L − 2(H − P)

Fibonacci:  P = (H + L + C) / 3
            R1/S1 = P ± 0.382 × Range
            R2/S2 = P ± 0.618 × Range
            R3/S3 = P ± 1.000 × Range

Camarilla:  R1..R4 = C + Range × 1.1 / 12, /6, /4, /2
            S1..S4 = C − Range × 1.1 / 12, /6, /4, /2

Woodie:     P = (H + L + 2C) / 4
            R1 = 2P − L   S1 = 2P − H   R2 = P + Range   S2 = P − Range

DeMark:     X = 2H + L + C   if C > O
            X = H + 2L + C   if C < O
            X = H + L + 2C   if C = O
            P = X / 4   R1 = X / 2 − L   S1 = X / 2 − H

The five pivot types

• Classic (floor) pivots are the standard version and the most widely watched.
• Fibonacci pivots use the same P but space the levels with Fibonacci ratios of the range.
• Camarilla pivots are built around the close and sit tighter to price. R3/S3 are often used for fades back into the range, R4/S4 for breakouts.
• Woodie pivots give the close double weight, so the pivot leans toward where the last session finished.
• DeMark pivots need the open as well and only give one support and one resistance, based on whether the session closed up or down.

Worked example (EURUSD daily)

Yesterday's EURUSD session: High 1.0950, Low 1.0850, Close 1.0920, Open 1.0870. Range = 0.0100.

Classic: P = (1.0950 + 1.0850 + 1.0920) / 3 = 1.09067

Camarilla (from the close, 1.0920): S4 1.08650, S3 1.08925, S2 1.09017, S1 1.09108, R1 1.09292, R2 1.09383, R3 1.09475, R4 1.09750.

DeMark: the close (1.0920) is above the open (1.0870), so X = 2 × 1.0950 + 1.0850 + 1.0920 = 4.3670. P = 1.09175, R1 = 1.09850, S1 = 1.08850.

Example for Fibonacci R1: 1.09067 + 0.382 × 0.0100 = 1.09449. The distance from P to R1 is about 38 pips; you can turn it into money with the pip value calculator.

Using pivots intraday

A simple framework many day traders follow:

1. Bias: above P leans long, below P leans short.
2. First targets: R1 for longs, S1 for shorts.
3. Range days: with Camarilla, price that pushes to R3 or S3 and stalls is often faded back toward the close.
4. Trend days: a clean break and hold beyond R2/S2 (or Camarilla R4/S4) can signal a strong directional session.
5. Stops: many traders place stops just beyond the next pivot level rather than at a random distance.

Pivots work best on liquid instruments with a clear session close. For 24/7 crypto, decide on a fixed daily cut-off (for example 00:00 UTC) and stick to it.

How to use this calculator

1. Pick the period: previous day for intraday trading, previous week or month for swing trading.
2. Enter the high, low and close from that period. Add the open if you want DeMark pivots.
3. Read the pivot, support and resistance levels for each method.
4. Mark the levels you trade on your chart.
5. Size the trade with the lot size calculator, using the distance to your stop.

FAQ

Which pivot point method is best?
Classic pivots are the most watched, so they often get the strongest reactions. Camarilla suits range trading, Fibonacci pivots suit traders who already use Fib ratios. Test one method and use it consistently.

What close should I use for forex?
Most traders use the New York 5 pm (ET) close as the end of the forex day. Your broker's daily candle may use a different time, which changes the levels slightly.

Why does DeMark need the open?
DeMark weights the high or low depending on whether the session closed above or below its open. Without the open, the direction is unknown.

Can I use pivot points on gold and indices?
Yes. The formulas work on any price series. Use the high, low and close of the instrument's own session.

Final note

Pivot points give you an objective set of levels before the session opens. Pick one method, mark the levels each day and judge them by how price behaves around them.

Trading leveraged products carries a high risk of loss. Results are estimates; check your broker's contract specifications.