Pivot points
Pivot points are levels calculated from the previous day's high, low and close. The pivot P sits in the middle, with resistance levels above and support levels below.
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On a real chart
How Arka Terminal marks it
- 01The pivot P, from the previous day's high, low and close.
- 02Resistance levels R1 and R2 above it.
- 03Support levels S1 and S2 below it.
XAU/USD 30m candles, Sep 30, 2026 to Oct 2, 2026. Every drawing is Arka Terminal's AI Structure Analysis of these candles. Nothing is placed by hand.
The four formulas on the same day
The previous day's high 4192.88, low 4139.38 and close 4177.23. Camarilla draws only R3, R4, S3 and S4.
| Classic | Fibonacci | Camarilla | Woodie | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R4 | — | — | 4206.66 | — |
| R3 | — | — | 4191.94 | — |
| R2 | 4223.33 | 4202.89 | — | 4225.18 |
| R1 | 4200.28 | 4190.27 | — | 4203.98 |
| P | 4169.83 | 4169.83 | — | 4171.68 |
| S1 | 4146.78 | 4149.39 | — | 4150.48 |
| S2 | 4116.33 | 4136.77 | — | 4118.18 |
| S3 | — | — | 4162.52 | — |
| S4 | — | — | 4147.80 | — |
The shape
Yesterday sets today's levels
The previous day's high, low and close give the pivot and the levels around it.
How to read it
01
Above P leans up
Trading above the pivot, the day leans bullish. Below it, bearish.
02
R1 and S1 first
The first levels either side are the ones price reaches most days.
03
Pick one formula
Classic, Fibonacci, Camarilla and Woodie give different levels. Mixing them clutters the chart.
04
Confluence helps
A pivot level at the same price as a key level is worth more than either alone.
Common mistakes
Treating pivots as support
Pivots are formulas. They do not prove buyers or sellers are there.
Using the wrong day
Pivots depend on the broker's day. A different day boundary gives different levels.
Fading every level
On a trending day, price can run through R1, R2 and beyond.
In Arka Terminal
One switch in the structure panel
- Yesterday's candle
- On intraday charts the levels come from the previous day. On daily charts they come from the previous bar.
- Four formulas
- Classic, Fibonacci, Camarilla and Woodie, chosen in the panel. Camarilla shows only R3, R4, S3 and S4.
- Drawn from today's open
- The levels start at the beginning of today and run to the right edge.
- Free on every plan
- The analysis runs on your PC. It uses no AI credits.
- Ask about it
- Arka Copilot reads the switches you have on and answers with the same prices the chart shows.
Pivot points, marked on your own chart
- Free on every plan
- Sign in with your MT4 or MT5 account
- Nine structure switches, no AI credits
Questions
How are pivot points calculated?
Classic: P is the average of the previous day's high, low and close. R1 is 2P minus the low, S1 is 2P minus the high, R2 and S2 add or subtract the day's range from P.
Which pivot point formula is best?
None is best. Classic is the most widely watched. Camarilla is used for reversal and breakout levels close to price.
Do pivot points work for gold and forex?
They are watched on both. They work best on days without a strong trend.
Are there pivot points in Arka Terminal?
Yes. Pivot points in four formulas are one switch in the structure panel, free on every plan.
Related terms
Levels
- Support and resistance
- Trendlines
- Volume profile
- Pivot points
Candles
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