Pivot Point Calculator
Pivot points are one of the most widely used tools in technical analysis, helping traders quickly identify potential support and resistance levels for the next trading session. By using the previous day’s high, low, close, and the current open, this calculator instantly generates Classic, Woodie’s, Camarilla, and DeMark’s pivot levels so you can plan entries, exits, and risk more effectively.
This free tool from Traders MBA is designed to save time and reduce errors by automatically calculating multiple pivot methods side by side. Whether you’re trading forex, stocks, or indices, pivot points can provide valuable reference levels to guide your strategy throughout the trading day.
How to Use the Pivot Point Calculator
1. Enter the previous session’s High, Low, and Close
These figures come from the last completed trading session (for example, yesterday’s values if you are trading daily pivots).
Use your broker’s data or a reliable charting platform to ensure accuracy, as these inputs directly affect the levels generated.
2. Enter the current session’s Open
- This is the market’s opening price for the new session.
- It is required for certain pivot point methods, such as Woodie’s and DeMark’s, which place greater emphasis on the open compared to Classic or Camarilla formulas.
3. Click “Calculate”
- Once your data is entered, press the Calculate button.
- The calculator instantly generates four sets of pivot levels side by side: Classic (Traditional), Woodie’s, Camarilla, and DeMark’s.
4. Review the results table
- The output is neatly displayed in a comparison table, with each method in its own column.
- For every method, you’ll see the Pivot Point (PP) at the centre, with Resistance levels (R1–R4) above and Support levels (S1–S4) below.
- Note: DeMark’s method only provides R1, S1, and PP, so the other cells remain empty.
5. Use the Reset button to start over
- If you want to analyse a different session, simply click Reset to clear all inputs and results.
- This makes it quick and simple to repeat the calculation with fresh data.
Tips for Traders
- Pivot points are reference levels — not guarantees. Always confirm with other technical indicators (RSI, MACD, Ichimoku, etc.).
- Many traders look for price action around R1, S1, and PP for intraday decision making.
- Camarilla levels are often used for tighter ranges, while Classic and Woodie’s are popular in forex and index trading.
- DeMark’s method can be particularly useful when the open price differs significantly from the prior close.
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. To the maximum extent permitted under UK law, Traders MBA and its contributors accept no liability for any losses, costs, or damages arising from use of this tool. Always verify results with your broker and conduct your own due diligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pivot points are a core part of many traders’ daily strategies. To help you get the most from our free Pivot Point Calculator, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below. Whether you’re new to pivot trading or already experienced, this guide will show you how to interpret and apply the levels generated by the tool.
These FAQs cover the basics of pivot points, the differences between calculation methods, and best practices for combining them with other technical indicators.
1. What is a pivot point in trading?
A pivot point is a calculated price level that indicates potential support and resistance areas for the next trading session.
2. How does the Pivot Point Calculator work?
The calculator uses the previous session’s high, low, and close, plus the current open, to generate pivot levels using Classic, Woodie’s, Camarilla, and DeMark’s methods.
3. Why are there different pivot point methods?
Each method emphasises different data points. Classic uses the average of high, low, and close; Woodie’s and DeMark’s include the open; Camarilla uses tighter ranges for intraday trading.
4. Which pivot point method is best?
There is no single “best” method — traders choose based on market conditions. Classic is popular in forex, Camarilla suits range-bound markets, and DeMark’s is useful when the open differs sharply from the close.
5. How do traders use pivot points?
Pivot levels act as potential support and resistance zones. Traders watch for price reactions at these levels to guide entries, exits, and stop-loss placement.
6. Can I use pivot points on any market?
Yes. Pivot points are applied across forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. They are particularly common in intraday trading.
7. How accurate are pivot points?
Pivot points are not predictive but provide reference zones. Their effectiveness increases when combined with volume, candlestick patterns, or other technical indicators.
8. What timeframes are pivot points based on?
Most traders use daily pivots, but they can also be calculated for weekly or monthly sessions depending on your trading style.
9. What’s the difference between resistance and support levels?
Resistance levels (R1–R4) are potential ceilings where price may struggle to rise further. Support levels (S1–S4) are potential floors where price may stabilise or bounce.
10. Should I trade solely on pivot points?
No. Pivot points are best used alongside broader technical and fundamental analysis. Relying on them alone can lead to false signals.