How to calculate the target position after the daily limit breaks through the previous high?

A daily limit breakthrough in crypto signals strong momentum, offering traders key levels to calculate target positions using Fibonacci extensions and ATR for strategic entries and exits.

Jun 23, 2025 at 02:57 pm

Understanding the Daily Limit Breakthrough

In cryptocurrency trading, a daily limit typically refers to the maximum price movement allowed within a single trading day on certain exchanges. When this limit is breached, especially when it surpasses the previous high, traders often seek to calculate the target position or expected price movement following such an event.

A daily limit breakthrough can occur due to sudden surges in demand, news events, or algorithmic trading activities. Understanding how to identify and react to this phenomenon is crucial for both short-term traders and long-term investors. The first step is recognizing that the price has broken through its daily upper limit, which may signal strong bullish momentum.

Identifying Key Price Levels Before Calculation

Before calculating the target position, it’s essential to identify several critical levels:

• Previous High: This refers to the highest price recorded before the current session.
• Daily Limit Level: The maximum price allowed by the exchange based on its circuit breaker mechanism.
• Breakout Candlestick: The candle that confirms the breakout beyond the previous high or daily limit.

Traders should mark these levels clearly on their charts using tools like horizontal lines or annotations. It's important to note that if the price breaks above the daily limit, some exchanges might halt trading temporarily, while others allow continued trading without restrictions.

Measuring the Target Position Using Fibonacci Extensions

One of the most reliable methods to estimate the target position after a daily limit breakout is using Fibonacci extensions. Here's how you can apply it:

• Identify the swing low and swing high of the recent price move before the breakout.
• Use the Fibonacci extension tool starting from the swing low to the swing high.
• Common extension levels include 1.272, 1.618, and 2.0, which act as potential target zones.

For instance, if the breakout occurs at $50,000 and the retracement level was $48,000, applying the 1.618 extension could project a target position around $53,236. These levels are not guarantees but provide traders with measurable objectives.

Using Volatility-Based Targets: ATR Expansion Method

Another method involves analyzing volatility through the Average True Range (ATR). This approach helps traders set realistic target positions based on market conditions.

• Calculate the ATR value over a 14-period setting.
• Multiply the ATR value by a factor (usually between 1 to 3) depending on the strength of the breakout.
• Add the result to the breakout price to determine the target position.

For example, if the ATR is $500 and the breakout occurred at $50,000, multiplying the ATR by 2 gives $1,000, leading to a target of $51,000. This technique adjusts for varying market volatilities and provides a dynamic target rather than a fixed one.

Applying Support and Resistance Zones Post-Breakout

Post-breakout, traders should also consider historical support and resistance levels that could act as natural target positions or areas where the price may stall or reverse.

• Look for confluence between Fibonacci extensions, ATR projections, and existing resistance zones.
• If multiple indicators align near a specific price, that area becomes a high-probability target zone.
• Traders can place take-profit orders or adjust stop-loss levels accordingly.

This strategy allows for more informed decisions by combining technical analysis tools and historical data. It ensures that the calculated target position isn’t arbitrary but grounded in price action logic.

Practical Example: Calculating the Target Position Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through a practical example using Bitcoin (BTC):

• Previous High: $60,000
• Daily Limit Level: $61,000
• Breakout Occurs at: $61,500
• Swing Low: $58,000
• ATR (14): $1,200

Now, let’s calculate:

• Using Fibonacci Extension: From $58,000 to $61,500, the 1.618 extension lands around $63,870
• Using ATR Method: $61,500 + (1.5 × $1,200) = $63,300

Both methods converge near $63,300–$63,870, indicating a strong target zone post-breakout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if the exchange halts trading after hitting the daily limit?

If trading is halted, no further price movement will be observed until the next session. In such cases, traders should reassess the situation once trading resumes and look for gap fills or continuation patterns.

Q2: Can I use other technical indicators alongside Fibonacci and ATR?

Yes, combining volume indicators like On-Balance Volume (OBV) or momentum oscillators like RSI can help confirm the strength of the breakout and increase the accuracy of your target position calculation.

Q3: How do I handle false breakouts above the daily limit?

False breakouts can occur due to wash trading or spoofing. To filter them, wait for a confirmed close above the daily limit and check for increased trading volume during the breakout candle.

Q4: Is there a difference in calculating target positions across different timeframes?

Absolutely. Shorter timeframes like 1-hour or 4-hour charts may give tighter targets, while daily or weekly charts offer broader zones. Adjust your risk-reward ratio accordingly and tailor your strategy to the timeframe you're trading.