How to calculate the measured increase after breaking through the box? When should I take profits?

A breakout from a crypto consolidation zone signals potential trend continuation, with the measured move projecting targets based on the box height.

Jul 02, 2025 at 05:00 am

Understanding the Breakout from a Trading Box

In cryptocurrency trading, a breakout from a box (or consolidation zone) refers to a situation where the price of an asset moves decisively outside of a well-defined range. This movement typically signals a potential continuation or reversal of the existing trend. Traders often use this pattern to anticipate future price movements and plan their entries or exits accordingly.

A measured move calculation is commonly used after such a breakout to estimate how far the price might travel in the direction of the breakout. The height of the box itself is used as a projection tool for setting profit targets.

How to Measure the Height of the Consolidation Zone

Before calculating the projected move, you must first define the box boundaries accurately. These are usually formed by horizontal support and resistance levels that have been tested multiple times without a clear directional break.

• Identify the highest high and lowest low within the consolidation phase.
• Calculate the difference between these two values — this is the height of the box.
• For example, if Bitcoin consolidates between $28,000 and $30,000, the height of the box would be $2,000.

This measurement becomes crucial when projecting where the price might go after breaking out.

Projecting the Measured Move After a Breakout

Once the breakout occurs, whether to the upside or downside, the measured move theory suggests that the price will likely travel a distance equal to the height of the box from the breakout point.

• If the price breaks above $30,000 in the previous example, the target would be calculated as:
  Breakout level ($30,000) + box height ($2,000) = $32,000
• Conversely, if the price breaks below $28,000, the target would be:
  Breakout level ($28,000) - box height ($2,000) = $26,000

It’s important to note that this method works best on higher timeframes like the 4-hour or daily chart, where consolidation patterns tend to be more reliable.

Determining When to Take Profits

Profit-taking should not rely solely on projected targets. While the measured move gives a general idea of where the price might go, market conditions, volume, and momentum can all influence how far a move actually goes.

Here are key considerations:

• Monitor volume during the breakout: A strong breakout usually comes with increased volume, indicating conviction behind the move.
• Watch for overextension: Use tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) or Moving Average ribbons to check if the asset is overbought or oversold near the target.
• Trail your stop-loss: As the price approaches the target, consider trailing your stop to lock in profits incrementally.
• Look for rejection candles: Near the projected target, watch for candlestick patterns like shooting stars, hammers, or engulfing patterns that may signal exhaustion.

These techniques help traders avoid exiting too early or holding too long into a reversal.

Practical Example Using a Crypto Chart

Let’s take Ethereum as an example. Suppose ETH has been trading between $1,700 and $1,900 for several days, forming a tight consolidation box.

• The box height is $200.
• The price then breaks out above $1,900 with strong volume.
• Applying the measured move formula:
  $1,900 (breakout level) + $200 (box height) = $2,100.

As the price approaches $2,100, you notice the RSI is approaching 75 (overbought), and there’s a bearish pin bar forming at that level. This could be a good opportunity to start taking partial profits or close the position entirely.

If the price continues beyond $2,100, it may indicate stronger momentum, but caution should still be exercised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the breakout doesn’t reach the full measured move?

It’s common for price action to fall short of the projected target. In such cases, using trailing stops or scaling out of positions helps manage risk while capturing gains along the way.

Can I apply this strategy on lower timeframes like 15-minute charts?

Yes, but keep in mind that lower timeframes are more prone to false breakouts and noise. It’s generally safer to confirm the pattern on a higher timeframe before acting.

Should I always wait for a retest after the breakout before entering?

Not necessarily. Some traders prefer to enter immediately on the breakout candle close, while others wait for a retest of the broken level as new support or resistance. Both methods have pros and cons depending on volatility and liquidity.

How do I differentiate between a real breakout and a fakeout?

Fakeouts occur when the price briefly breaks out but quickly reverses. Confirming with volume, candlestick structure, and multi-timeframe analysis helps distinguish genuine breakouts from false ones.