Pivot Points — what it is and how to use it in trading
Definition
Pivot Points are a classic set of static support/resistance levels, computed once per period (typically the previous trading session or day) from the high, low, and close: a central level PP plus a first resistance R1 above it and a first support S1 below.
How it works in the builder
The pivot_pp, pivot_r1, and pivot_s1 operands take no configurable parameters — all three are computed by the classic pivot-point formula: PP is the average of the previous period's high, low, and close; R1 is the first resistance projection above PP; S1 is the symmetric support projection below PP.
What it looks like on the chart
All three levels are drawn together as a horizontal "ladder" labelled P/R1/S1: the chosen operand is drawn as a bold solid line, the other two as thin dashed lines for context.
Typical use
R1 and S1 are often used as the first intraday targets or reversal zones. Typical condition: close > pivot_r1 as a breakout-continuation signal, or low crossed_below pivot_s1 to look for an entry on a support test.
Common pitfalls
Unlike a moving average, PP/R1/S1 are static for the whole period and do not react to the current bar until recalculated — they work best on liquid, mean-reverting intraday markets and less well on instruments with an irregular session structure. The builder only exposes PP/R1/S1, a subset of the classic full pivot ladder (no R2/R3/S2/S3).
This block is available in the strategy builder
137 no-code blocks — build an entry condition with this term and test it on history
Historical results do not guarantee future ones. The service is an informational and analytical tool, not an individual investment recommendation; trades are not executed.
Pivot PP
Block variants
Pivot R1
Pivot S1