How to calculate the target position after breaking through the chip concentration area?

Traders use chip concentration zones to project price targets by measuring the range width and applying it post-breakout for potential profit objectives.

Jun 18, 2025 at 12:28 am

Understanding the Chip Concentration Area

In cryptocurrency trading, especially when analyzing on-chain or chart patterns, chip concentration areas refer to price ranges where a significant amount of trading volume or open interest has occurred. These zones are often interpreted as support or resistance levels because they indicate where large numbers of traders have entered or exited positions. Identifying these areas is crucial for determining potential breakout points.

To calculate the target position after a breakout, you must first clearly define the boundaries of the chip concentration zone. This can be done using tools such as volume profile, on-balance volume (OBV), or order book analysis. Once identified, the range becomes your focal point for measuring post-breakout movement.

Measuring the Width of the Chip Zone

After identifying the chip concentration area, the next step involves calculating its width. This is typically the difference between the highest and lowest prices within that zone. For example, if the zone spans from $30,000 to $31,500, then the width would be $1,500.

This measurement plays a vital role in projecting the expected move after a breakout. Traders often use this value to estimate how far the price might travel once it clears the congestion area. It's essential to measure accurately because even small discrepancies can lead to misleading projections.

• Use candlestick charts to visually confirm the zone.
• Overlay volume indicators to validate the accumulation or distribution activity.
• Mark both upper and lower bounds precisely.

Applying the Projection Technique

Once you've determined the width of the chip concentration area, the next phase is applying the projection technique. If the price breaks above the upper boundary, you add the width of the zone to that upper level to get the target. Conversely, if it breaks below the lower boundary, subtract the width from that lower level to project the downside target.

For instance, if the upper bound is at $31,500 and the zone’s width is $1,500, then the projected target after an upward breakout would be $33,000. Similarly, a downward breakout from $30,000 would project a target of $28,500.

This method assumes that the market absorbs all orders within the chip zone before continuing its trend. Hence, the measured move serves as a reasonable expectation based on historical behavior.

Confirming Breakout Validity

Not every breakout leads to a sustained move. Therefore, confirming the validity of the breakout is critical before relying on the calculated target. Look for increased trading volume, price momentum, and candlestick confirmation such as strong bullish or bearish engulfing patterns.

Additionally, monitoring on-chain metrics like exchange inflows/outflows or funding rates in futures markets can provide insights into whether the breakout is supported by real buying or selling pressure.

• Check for a clear close beyond the zone boundary.
• Ensure volume surges during the breakout.
• Cross-reference with other technical indicators like RSI or MACD.

Avoid acting on false breakouts by waiting for confirmation candles or retests of the broken level.

Integrating Risk Management with Target Calculation

While calculating the target helps set profit objectives, integrating risk management ensures long-term survival in crypto trading. Always determine your stop-loss level before entering a trade. In breakout scenarios, placing a stop just below the chip zone (for long entries) or above it (for short entries) makes sense.

The reward-to-risk ratio should ideally be at least 2:1, meaning your target distance should be twice the size of your stop distance. For example, if your stop is placed $500 away from your entry, your target should be at least $1,000 away.

Risk management also includes position sizing based on your account size and the volatility of the asset being traded. Never allocate more than a small percentage of your capital on any single trade, even if the setup looks strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I differentiate between a real chip concentration area and random consolidation?

A real chip concentration area is characterized by high volume or open interest, repeated price testing, and visible order book imbalances. Random consolidation usually lacks strong volume and shows no clear support/resistance behavior over time.

Can I use this method on any cryptocurrency?

Yes, this method applies to most liquid cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and major altcoins. However, less liquid assets may produce unreliable signals due to low volume and erratic price action.

What if the price doesn’t reach the calculated target?

Markets don't always follow textbook patterns. If the price fails to reach the target, reassess the strength of the breakout and consider exiting or adjusting your strategy. Price action and volume should guide your decisions, not just projections.

Is this method suitable for intraday trading?

Absolutely, but ensure that the chip concentration area is defined within the timeframe you're trading. Shorter timeframes require tighter stops and quicker decision-making.