How to use %B (Percent B) indicator for crypto

The %B indicator helps crypto traders identify overbought or oversold conditions by showing where the price stands relative to Bollinger Bands.

Jul 11, 2025 at 11:08 am

Understanding the %B (Percent B) Indicator in Cryptocurrency Trading

The %B (Percent B) indicator is a technical analysis tool used by traders to determine if an asset is overbought or oversold. It's derived from the Bollinger Bands and provides insights into where the current price stands relative to the bands. In the context of cryptocurrency trading, where volatility is high and trends can change rapidly, understanding how to interpret and apply this indicator becomes crucial.

The formula for calculating %B is:

$$ \%B = \frac{Price - Lower\ Band}{Upper\ Band - Lower\ Band} $$

Where:

• Price is the most recent closing price
• Lower Band and Upper Band are calculated using standard deviations around a moving average

Values above 1 indicate that the price is above the upper Bollinger Band, while values below 0 suggest the price is below the lower band. A reading of 0.5 means the price is exactly at the middle band, which is typically a 20-period simple moving average.

Setting Up the %B Indicator on Crypto Trading Platforms

Most modern crypto trading platforms like TradingView, Binance, or KuCoin allow users to add custom indicators such as %B. Here’s how you can set it up:

• Navigate to the chart section of your preferred cryptocurrency pair (e.g., BTC/USDT)
• Click on the "Indicators" button located on the chart toolbar
• Search for “Percent B” or manually calculate it using Pine Script if not available directly
• Add the script or indicator to the chart
• Adjust settings like period length (usually 20) and standard deviation (typically 2)

Once applied, the %B indicator will appear either beneath the main price chart or overlaying it, depending on how it’s configured. Traders should ensure they're viewing the correct time frame—intraday traders might use 1-hour or 4-hour charts, while long-term investors may analyze daily or weekly data.

Interpreting %B Signals in Crypto Markets

In highly volatile markets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or altcoins, %B readings can offer early signals of potential reversals or continuation patterns.

• A %B value above 1 suggests the asset is overbought, potentially signaling a pullback or consolidation phase
• A %B value below 0 indicates oversold conditions, possibly hinting at a bounce or reversal
• When %B oscillates between 0.2 and 0.8, it implies a range-bound market without strong momentum

It's important to note that in trending markets, especially during strong bull or bear phases, %B can remain in extreme territory for extended periods. For instance, during a powerful rally in Solana (SOL), the price may stay above the upper band for days, causing %B to remain above 1 without immediate reversal.

Combining %B with Other Indicators for Better Accuracy

Using %B alone may result in false signals, particularly in crypto due to its inherent volatility. Therefore, combining it with other tools enhances its effectiveness.

• Use Relative Strength Index (RSI) alongside %B to confirm overbought or oversold levels
• Incorporate volume indicators to validate price action when %B reaches extremes
• Overlay moving averages to identify trend direction and filter out conflicting signals

For example, if %B shows Bitcoin above 1 and RSI also exceeds 70, the probability of a short-term correction increases. Conversely, if volume surges while %B dips below 0, it could signal a strong support zone forming.

Practical Examples of Using %B in Real-Time Crypto Trading

Let’s take a real-world scenario involving Ethereum (ETH) trading on a 4-hour chart:

• Ethereum’s price drops sharply, pushing %B to -0.2, suggesting oversold conditions
• Simultaneously, RSI hits 28, reinforcing the idea that selling pressure is exhausted
• Volume begins to pick up, indicating potential accumulation
• Traders enter long positions once %B crosses back above 0 and confirm with candlestick patterns

Another example involves Cardano (ADA) during a breakout phase:

• The price breaks out of a consolidation pattern and climbs rapidly
• %B jumps to 1.3, showing strong bullish momentum
• Traders hold their positions as long as %B remains above 1, expecting further upside
• Once %B falls below 1**, some traders take profits or tighten stop-losses

These examples demonstrate how %B can be integrated into actual trading decisions, helping traders manage entries, exits, and risk effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using %B in Crypto Trading

Q: Can I rely solely on %B for making trading decisions?

A: While %B is useful, it's best used in conjunction with other indicators like RSI, MACD, or volume to avoid false signals, especially in volatile crypto markets.

Q: What time frames work best with %B in crypto?

A: Short-term traders often use 1-hour or 4-hour charts, while swing traders prefer daily charts. The optimal setting depends on your trading strategy and goals.

Q: Why does %B sometimes stay above 1 for a long time?

A: During strong uptrends in assets like Bitcoin or Avalanche, prices can remain above the upper Bollinger Band, keeping %B above 1. This doesn't always mean an immediate reversal.

Q: How do I adjust %B parameters for different cryptocurrencies?

A: You can tweak the period length and standard deviation based on the asset's volatility. For more volatile coins, increasing the standard deviation slightly may reduce noise.