Pivot point formulas
H, L and C are the previous period's high, low and close; range = H − L.
Classic (floor) pivots
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 pivots
P = (H + L + C) ÷ 3
R1/S1 = P ± 0.382 × range, R2/S2 = P ± 0.618 × range, R3/S3 = P ± rangeCamarilla pivots
R1/S1 = C ± range × 1.1/12, R2/S2 = C ± range × 1.1/6
R3/S3 = C ± range × 1.1/4, R4/S4 = C ± range × 1.1/2Woodie pivots
P = (H + L + 2C) ÷ 4
R1 = 2P − L, S1 = 2P − H, R2/S2 = P ± rangeWorked example
Nifty made a high of 25,250, a low of 24,950 and closed at 25,180. The classic pivot is (25,250 + 24,950 + 25,180) ÷ 3 = 25,126.67, with R1 at 25,303.33 and S1 at 25,003.33. Since the close is above the pivot, the next session starts with a bullish bias, and R1 is the first upside target.
Frequently asked questions
Which high, low and close should I use?
For intraday levels use the previous day’s high, low and close. For swing trading use the previous week’s or month’s values to get weekly or monthly pivots.
Which pivot point method is best?
None is universally best. Classic pivots are the most widely watched, so they often act as self-fulfilling levels. Camarilla levels sit closer to the close and suit mean-reversion intraday trading. Fibonacci pivots space levels using 38.2%, 61.8% and 100% of the range.
How do traders use pivot points?
Price above the pivot is read as bullish and below as bearish. Resistance levels (R1–R4) are used as targets or short entries, support levels (S1–S4) as targets or long entries, usually confirmed with price action or volume.
Results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not investment, tax or financial advice. Verify figures with your broker or advisor before acting on them.