How to use the SAR parabolic turn? How to set stop loss and take profit?

The Parabolic SAR, a popular indicator for spotting price reversals, uses dots to signal entry and exit points, aiding traders in setting stop loss and take profit levels.

Jun 07, 2025 at 03:14 am

Introduction to the Parabolic SAR

The Parabolic SAR (Stop and Reverse) is a popular technical indicator used by traders to determine the potential reversals in the price direction of an asset. It is particularly useful in the cryptocurrency market, where volatility can lead to rapid price changes. The indicator appears as a series of dots placed either above or below the price chart, signaling potential entry and exit points for trades.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Parabolic SAR

The Parabolic SAR works by calculating a trailing stop and reverse point based on the price movement of the asset. When the dots are below the price, it suggests an uptrend, indicating that it might be a good time to buy or hold a long position. Conversely, when the dots are above the price, it indicates a downtrend, suggesting a potential time to sell or enter a short position.

The formula for the Parabolic SAR involves an acceleration factor, which starts at a small value and increases as the trend continues. This acceleration factor helps the indicator to catch up with the price movement more quickly as the trend strengthens.

Setting Up the Parabolic SAR on Trading Platforms

To use the Parabolic SAR in your trading strategy, you need to set it up on your trading platform. Here's how you can do it on some popular platforms:

• On MetaTrader 4 (MT4):

  • Open your MT4 platform.
  • Click on "Insert" in the top menu.
  • Navigate to "Indicators" and then "Trend".
  • Select "Parabolic SAR".
  • Adjust the settings as needed. The default settings are usually adequate for most traders.

• On TradingView:

  • Open your TradingView chart.
  • Click on the "Indicators" button on the top menu.
  • Search for "Parabolic SAR".
  • Add it to your chart and adjust the settings if necessary.

Using the Parabolic SAR for Trading Decisions

The Parabolic SAR can be used to make trading decisions in the following ways:

• Entry Points: When the dots switch from being above the price to below it, it can signal a potential entry point for a long position. Conversely, when the dots move from below to above the price, it may be a signal to enter a short position.

• Exit Points: The indicator can also be used to determine when to exit a trade. If you are in a long position and the dots move above the price, it might be time to sell. If you are in a short position and the dots move below the price, it might be time to cover your short.

Setting Stop Loss and Take Profit with the Parabolic SAR

Setting appropriate stop loss and take profit levels is crucial for managing risk and maximizing returns. Here’s how you can use the Parabolic SAR to set these levels:

• Stop Loss:

  • For a long position, set your stop loss just below the most recent Parabolic SAR dot. This way, if the price falls below this level, it may indicate a trend reversal, and your stop loss will help minimize losses.
  • For a short position, set your stop loss just above the most recent Parabolic SAR dot. If the price rises above this level, it could signal a trend reversal, and your stop loss will help protect your gains.

• Take Profit:

  • For a long position, you can set your take profit level at a point where the Parabolic SAR dots are likely to switch from below to above the price. This could indicate that the uptrend is losing momentum.
  • For a short position, set your take profit level where the Parabolic SAR dots are likely to switch from above to below the price. This could signal that the downtrend is weakening.

Practical Example of Using the Parabolic SAR

Let's consider a practical example of how to use the Parabolic SAR in trading Bitcoin (BTC/USD):

• Scenario: You notice that the Parabolic SAR dots have been below the price of Bitcoin for some time, indicating an uptrend. You decide to enter a long position.

• Setting Up the Trade:

  • Entry Point: You enter the long position when the price is at $30,000, and the Parabolic SAR dot is at $29,800.
  • Stop Loss: You set your stop loss just below the most recent Parabolic SAR dot, at $29,700.
  • Take Profit: You set your take profit at $32,000, anticipating that the Parabolic SAR dots might switch above the price at this level.

• Monitoring the Trade:

  • As the price moves, the Parabolic SAR dots adjust. You keep an eye on these dots to see if they signal a potential trend reversal.
  • If the price reaches $32,000, your take profit order is triggered, and you exit the trade with a profit.
  • If the price drops to $29,700, your stop loss is triggered, and you exit the trade to minimize losses.

Combining the Parabolic SAR with Other Indicators

While the Parabolic SAR can be a powerful tool on its own, combining it with other indicators can enhance its effectiveness. Here are some common combinations:

• Moving Averages: Using a moving average alongside the Parabolic SAR can help confirm trends. For instance, if the Parabolic SAR indicates an uptrend and the price is above a moving average, it strengthens the bullish signal.

• Relative Strength Index (RSI): The RSI can help identify overbought or oversold conditions. If the Parabolic SAR signals a potential entry point and the RSI is not in overbought or oversold territory, it can increase the confidence in your trading decision.

• MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence): The MACD can provide additional insights into momentum. If the Parabolic SAR and MACD both indicate a trend, it can be a strong signal to enter or exit a trade.

Adjusting the Parabolic SAR Settings

The default settings for the Parabolic SAR are an acceleration factor of 0.02 and a maximum value of 0.2. However, you may need to adjust these settings based on the asset's volatility and your trading style:

• Acceleration Factor: A higher acceleration factor will make the indicator more responsive to price changes, which can be useful in highly volatile markets like cryptocurrencies. However, it may also lead to more false signals.

• Maximum Value: The maximum value limits how quickly the acceleration factor can increase. A higher maximum value can lead to quicker trend reversals, while a lower value can result in a smoother indicator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the Parabolic SAR be used effectively in ranging markets?
A: The Parabolic SAR is less effective in ranging markets because it is designed to identify trends. In a ranging market, the indicator may generate false signals as it switches frequently between buy and sell signals. It is best used in trending markets.

Q: How often should I adjust my stop loss and take profit levels when using the Parabolic SAR?
A: You should adjust your stop loss and take profit levels as the Parabolic SAR dots move. This ensures that your stop loss remains relevant to the current market conditions and that you can lock in profits as the trend continues.

Q: Is the Parabolic SAR suitable for all time frames?
A: The Parabolic SAR can be used on various time frames, but its effectiveness may vary. Shorter time frames, such as 1-minute or 5-minute charts, may result in more false signals due to increased noise. Longer time frames, such as daily or weekly charts, may provide more reliable signals but with fewer trading opportunities.

Q: Can the Parabolic SAR be used for all cryptocurrencies?
A: Yes, the Parabolic SAR can be used for all cryptocurrencies. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific cryptocurrency's volatility and trading volume. It is important to backtest the indicator on historical data for each cryptocurrency before using it in live trading.