Measured Move
A technique projecting a price target by duplicating a prior swing move from a breakout or consolidation point.
Formula
Target = Breakout Price + (End of Pole − Start of Pole)
The Measured Move target is calculated by measuring the height of a prior directional leg (or pattern) and projecting that same distance from a breakout or continuation point. It is the standard method for setting price targets on flags, pennants, rectangles, and triangles.
For example, if a pole is 10% tall and price breaks out from the consolidation, the target is 10% above the breakout level. The logic is that the market "remembers" the momentum of the initial leg and repeats it.
- Used for bullish patterns (add to breakout) and bearish patterns (subtract from breakdown).
- Not guaranteed — use as a guide alongside support/resistance levels.
Related Terms
ABCD Pattern
The simplest harmonic structure — a four-point zigzag where BC is a Fibonacci retracement of AB and CD equals AB in length and time.
IntermediateAscending Triangle
A coiling pattern with a flat upper resistance line and rising lower trendline, typically resolving in a bullish breakout.
BeginnerBear Flag
A sharp downward pole followed by a tight, slightly upward-drifting channel — a continuation setup that resolves lower once the flag breaks.
BeginnerBull Flag
A sharp upward pole followed by a tight, slightly downward-drifting consolidation channel — a high-probability continuation setup in strong uptrends.
BeginnerCorrective Wave
A counter-trend three-wave (A-B-C) structure within Elliott Wave Theory that retraces part of the prior impulse before the trend resumes.
AdvancedCup and Handle
A rounded bowl-shaped base followed by a small downward drift (the handle) — a bullish continuation pattern preceding a breakout to new highs.
IntermediateFlag
A brief rectangular consolidation against the prior trend, bounded by parallel trendlines — a high-frequency continuation setup.
BeginnerPennant
A pole followed by a small symmetrical triangle — a tight continuation coil that resolves in the direction of the prior thrust.
BeginnerRectangle Pattern
Price oscillates between two horizontal parallel levels — a neutral consolidation that resolves in either direction, often continuing the prior trend.
BeginnerThrowback
A post-breakout pullback to the broken resistance level, which now acts as new support — a common re-entry opportunity in trending markets.
Beginner