Best Indicators for Scalping in Intraday Trading

5paisa Research Team

Last Updated: 30 Apr, 2025 03:10 PM IST

Top Scalping Indicators

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What are Top Indicators For Scalping

You can capture short-lived market moves with the aid of the best trading indicators for scalping.  We should examine them.

● Bollinger Bands 
● Stochastic Oscillator 
● Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) 
● Moving Averages (MAs)
● Relative Strength Index (RSI)
 

Best 5 Scalping Indicators – Simplified Overview

Scalping requires quick decision-making and reliable indicators. Here’s a condensed guide to the top tools used by scalpers:

1. Moving Averages (MAs)

  • MAs help identify market direction by averaging price data over time.
  • Best for scalping: Use short-term MAs (5, 8, 13-period) on 1-2 minute charts.
  • Signal: A 5-period MA crossing above a 13-period MA can signal a buying opportunity.
  • Example: If the 5-MA crosses above the 13-MA at ₹100, it may indicate an uptrend.

2. Relative Strength Index (RSI)

  • RSI gauges price momentum and potential reversals.
  • Range: 0 to 100; above 70 = overbought, below 30 = oversold.
  • Use for scalping: Look for divergences on short timeframes.
  • Example: A weakening RSI while price rises could suggest a short opportunity.

3. Bollinger Bands

  • These measure price volatility with a middle MA and two outer bands.
  • For scalping: Price touching the upper band may indicate overbought; the lower band may signal oversold.
  • Example: If price hits ₹105 (upper band) and moves back toward ₹100 (middle band), it could signal a short.

4. Stochastic Oscillator

  • Shows price momentum relative to recent highs/lows.
  • Settings: (5,3,3); values above 80 = overbought, below 20 = oversold.
  • Signal: %K crossing above %D below 20 can mean buy.
  • Example: A crossover under 20 may offer a long entry.

5. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)

  • Tracks momentum via two EMAs (12, 26-period).
  • Scalping tip: Look for MACD line crossing the signal line.
  • Example: If MACD (-0.5) crosses above the signal line (-0.6), it may signal a quick bullish move.

Combining Indicators for Stronger Trades

  • Trend: Use MAs.
  • Entry: Confirm with RSI/Stochastic.
  • Momentum: Crosscheck with MACD.
  • Exit: Use Bollinger Bands.

Using these tools together can refine scalping entries and exits, helping improve accuracy in high-speed trades.
 

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