# Ascending/Descending/Symmetrical Triangle Ascending/Descending/Symmetrical Triangle is an indicator on [Vela](https://vela.luxalgo.com/chart), our next-generation charting platform, written in Pine Script®. Detects classical triangles from confirmed swings and names each one: ascending (flat ceiling over rising lows), descending (flat floor under falling highs) or symmetrical. Boundaries need proven touches with every close contained and genuine contraction; a decisive close through either side before the apex completes the pattern, then the widest-height target, a stop and false-breakout and apex-drift rules manage it. - Indicator in the LuxAlgo Library, by LuxAlgo, published Jul 16, 2026. - Access: free. - Concepts: [ascending/descending/symmetrical triangle](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/concept/ascending-descending-symmetrical-triangle/) (primary) - Open on Vela: https://vela.luxalgo.com/chart?pineScriptCodeId=anxh59mtelplaqud0ut87ffr - Page: https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/ascending-descending-symmetrical-triangle/ The **Ascending/Descending/Symmetrical Triangle** is a technical analysis indicator designed to automate the identification and visualization of classic geometric chart patterns. By detecting converging price boundaries based on confirmed swing pivots, the indicator helps traders isolate periods of market consolidation that frequently precede significant volatility. It provides clarity on market structure by highlighting triangle boundaries, measuring potential price objectives via the classical measure rule, and tracking trade performance after a breakout, offering a robust framework for identifying high-probability continuation or reversal setups. ## How to Trade the Ascending/Descending/Symmetrical Triangle? Trading with this indicator involves monitoring price action as it coils within the converging boundaries. A primary entry signal occurs when price generates a decisive close beyond the upper or lower boundary, confirming the resolution of the pattern. To increase reliability, look for volume expansion during the breakout, which confirms that market participants are backing the move. The indicator automatically plots a potential profit target based on the width of the triangle at its origin. Manage risk by placing stop-loss orders near the last swing point inside the pattern, as price acceptance back inside the boundary often signals a failed breakout or a trap. Avoid taking signals if the price has drifted too far into the apex, as the pattern's predictive power diminishes significantly as the lines converge. ## Ascending/Descending/Symmetrical Triangle Settings ### Triangle Detection * **Swing Length**: The number of bars to the left and right a high or low must dominate to confirm a swing point. * **Maximum Swings**: The maximum number of consecutive swings scanned to form a single triangle. * **Touches per Boundary**: The minimum number of swing touches required on both the upper and lower lines. * **Minimum Total Touches**: The aggregate number of touches across both boundaries needed for validity. * **Touch Tolerance**: A volatility-based threshold (ATR) determining how close price must be to a line to register a touch. * **Flat Boundary Tolerance**: The maximum percentage of drift allowed for a line to be classified as flat. * **Minimum Height**: The smallest vertical distance at the start of the pattern, measured in ATR multiples. * **Minimum Length**: The minimum duration in bars from the first touch to the last. * **Minimum Contraction**: The required reduction in height from the first touch to the final point to ensure the pattern is shrinking. * **Apex Cutoff**: The point near the convergence zone where an unresolved pattern is discarded. * **ATR Length**: The period used for average true range calculations to scale sensitivity. ### Breakout & Measure Rule * **Decisive Break Buffer**: An additional ATR buffer required for a candle close to be considered a valid breakout. * **Require Volume Expansion**: Filters breakouts based on whether volume exceeds its moving average. * **Volume Average Length**: The period for the volume average used during breakout confirmation. * **Measured Target**: Enables the projection of the triangle height from the breakout point as an objective. * **Closes Back Inside for Failure**: Consecutive bars inside the boundary required to classify a breakout as a failure. * **Post-Break Watch**: The duration in bars to monitor the target and stop levels after a breakout. ### Style * **Forming Triangle**: Sets the color for patterns currently in formation. * **Upside/Downside Break**: Defines the colors for bullish and bearish breakouts. * **Stops & Failures**: Assigns colors for stop-loss and failure labels. * **Show Boundary Touches**: Toggles the visibility of specific swing points used for pattern validation. * **Pattern Fill**: Toggles shading inside the triangle boundaries. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between these triangle types? Ascending triangles have a flat top with rising lows, descending triangles have a flat bottom with falling highs, and symmetrical triangles feature converging slopes from both sides. These patterns reflect varying degrees of market pressure as traders wait for a breakout. ### How does the indicator calculate the target? The target is determined by the classical measure rule, which takes the height of the triangle at its widest point and projects that distance outward from the breakout level. ### Can I adjust the sensitivity of the pattern detection? Yes, by modifying settings like Swing Length and Touch Tolerance, you can adjust how strictly the indicator identifies pivots and boundary touches to suit your specific analysis needs. ## Related indicators - [Channel Continuation](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/channel-continuation/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/channel-continuation.md - [Bull/bear Flag](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/bull-bear-flag/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/bull-bear-flag.md - [Rectangle](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/rectangle/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/rectangle.md - [Wolfe Wave Detector](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/wolfe-wave-detector/) (Rising/falling Wedge): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/wolfe-wave-detector.md - [Pennant](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/pennant/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/pennant.md - [Half Cup](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/half-cup/) (Cup & Handle): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/half-cup.md - [Scallop](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/scallop/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/scallop.md - [Measured-move Up/down](https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/measured-move-up-down/) (Chart & Candlestick Patterns): markdown at https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/measured-move-up-down.md --- Source: https://www.luxalgo.com/library/indicator/ascending-descending-symmetrical-triangle/ (LuxAlgo Library). Free to use with attribution: https://www.luxalgo.com/library/license/