Recent Range DetectorOverview
The Recent Range Detector is a specialized indicator designed to identify when an asset is currently range-bound, providing traders with clear support and resistance levels for range trading strategies. Unlike traditional indicators that focus on trend detection, this tool specifically answers the question: "Is the price range-bound right now, and what are the exact trading levels?"
Key Features
✅ Smart Range Detection - Uses a multi-factor scoring system to identify legitimate ranges
✅ Dynamic Support/Resistance Levels - Automatically calculates and displays key trading levels
✅ Range Quality Scoring - Provides confidence levels (Strong/Moderate/Weak Range)
✅ Touch Validation - Counts actual price touches to confirm range reliability
✅ Breakout Detection - Alerts when price exits the established range
✅ Visual Clarity - Clean boxes, lines, and labels for easy interpretation
How It Works
The indicator analyses recent price action using three core metrics:
Touch Quality (40%) - How many times price has respected support/resistance levels
Containment Quality (40%) - What percentage of recent bars stayed within the range
Recent Respect (20%) - Whether the latest price action confirms the range
These combine into a Range Score (0-1) that determines range strength and reliability.
Settings & Parameters
Range Lookback Period (Default: 15)
Number of bars to analyse for range detection
Shorter periods = more responsive to recent ranges
Longer periods = more stable, fewer false signals
Range Tolerance (Default: 2.0%)
Tolerance for price touches around exact highs/lows
Lower values = stricter range requirements
Higher values = more flexible range detection
Minimum Touches (Default: 3)
Required number of support/resistance touches for valid range
Higher values = more confirmed ranges, fewer signals
Lower values = more sensitive, earlier detection
Visual Options
Show Range Box: Displays the range boundaries
Show Support/Resistance Lines: Extends levels into the future
Understanding the Output
Range Score (0.000 - 1.000)
0.7+ = Strong Range (Green) - High confidence range trading setup
0.5-0.7 = Moderate Range (Yellow) - Decent range with some caution
0.3-0.5 = Weak Range (Orange) - Low confidence, be careful
<0.3 = Not Ranging - Avoid range trading strategies
Range Status Classifications
Strong Range - Perfect for range trading strategies
Moderate Range - Good range with normal risk
Weak Range - Marginal range, use smaller positions
Not Ranging - Price is trending or too choppy for range trading
Key Metrics in Info Table
Range Size (%) - Size of the range relative to price level
5-15% = Ideal range size for most strategies
<5% = Tight range, lower profit potential
>15% = Wide range, higher profit potential but more risk
Support/Resistance Levels - Exact price levels for entries/exits
Use these as your key trading levels
Support = potential buy zone
Resistance = potential sell zone
Total Touches - Number of times price respected the levels
3-5 touches = Newly formed range
6-10 touches = Well-established range
10+ touches = Very strong, reliable range
Price Position (%) - Current location within the range
0-20% = Near support (potential long opportunity)
80-100% = Near resistance (potential short opportunity)
40-60% = Middle of range (wait for better entry)
Visual Elements
Range Box
Green Box = Strong Range (Score ≥ 0.7)
Yellow Box = Moderate Range (Score 0.5-0.7)
Orange Box = Weak Range (Score 0.3-0.5)
Support/Resistance Lines
- Horizontal lines showing exact trading levels
- Extend into the future for forward guidance
- Colour matches the range strength
Background Colouring
- Subtle background tint during range periods
- Helps quickly identify ranging vs trending markets
Breakout Signals
- 📈 RANGE BREAK UP - Price breaks above resistance
- 📉 RANGE BREAK DOWN - Price breaks below support
- Only appears for confirmed ranges (Score ≥ 0.5)
Trading Applications
Range Trading Strategy
1. Look for Range Score ≥ 0.5
2. Buy near support (Price Position 0-20%)
3. Sell near resistance (Price Position 80-100%)
4. Set stops just outside the range
5. Exit on breakout signals
Breakout Strategy
1. Identify strong ranges (Score ≥ 0.7)
2. Wait for volume-confirmed breakout
3. Enter in breakout direction
4. Use previous resistance as support (or vice versa)
Market Context
- Strong ranges often occur after trending moves
- Use higher timeframes to confirm overall market structure
- Combine with volume analysis for better entries/exits
Best Practices
What to Look For
✅ Range Score ≥ 0.5 for trading consideration
✅ Multiple touches (5+) for confirmation
✅ Clear price rejection at levels
✅ Reasonable range size (5-15% for most assets)
✅ Recent price respect of boundaries
What to Avoid
❌ Trading ranges with Score < 0.3
❌ Very tight ranges (<3% size) - low profit potential
❌ Ranges with only 1-2 touches - not confirmed
❌ Ignoring breakout signals
❌ Trading against the higher timeframe trend
Alerts Available
- Range Detected - New range formation
- Range Break Up - Upward breakout
- Range Break Down - Downward breakout
- Range Ended - Range condition ended
Timeframe Recommendations
- Daily Charts - Best for swing trading ranges
- 4H Charts - Good for intermediate-term ranges
- 1H Charts - Suitable for day trading ranges
- Lower Timeframes - May produce more noise
Conclusion
The Recent Range Detector eliminates guesswork in range identification by providing objective, quantified range analysis. It's particularly valuable for traders who prefer range-bound strategies or need to identify when trending strategies should be avoided.
Remember: No indicator is perfect. Always combine with proper risk management, volume analysis, and broader market context for best results.
Disclaimer
This indicator is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Trading involves risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making any trading decisions.
