Placing stop loss and take profit orders on the trading platform helps determine the right time to exit a trade under different market conditions.
When a trade is in profit, a take profit (TP) order is used to exit the market at a favorablelevel. Conversely, when the market moves against the trade, a stop loss (SL) order is triggered to prevent further losses.
There are various methods for calculatingSL and TP levels depending on the trading strategy.
What Is Stop Loss?
Stop loss is a risk management tool that closes a trade when the price moves against the initialanalysis, preventing further loss.
Types of Stop Loss
Depending on the trading strategy—technical, time-based, fundamental, etc.—various methods are used to set stop loss orders, each suited to specific market conditions and price action behavior.
Trailing Stop Loss
In a trailing stop order, if the price moves in the anticipated profitable direction, the stop loss moves along with the price to lock in gains. However, if the price reverses, the stop loss remains fixed to close the trade at a defined level.
This type of stop loss allows trade management with out constant monitoring.
Fixed Stop Loss
In this strategy, a set percentage of capital is placed at risk for each trade. Before entering a position, the position size is calculated based on the predefined risk and the price level at which that amount would be lost is determined. A fixed stop loss is then placed at that level.
This helps ensure that no trade results in a loss greater than the predefined risk limit.
Time-Based Stop Loss
This method uses time analysis to determine optimal trading hours. Some trades must be closed before market peak hours, while others are only valid during high-liquidity sessions.
The time-based stop loss closes a trade at a specific hour or date regardless of price.of
What Is Take Profit?
Take profit (TP) order is triggered when the market moves in the anticipated direction. It automatically closes the trade at a favorable level and adds the realized profit to the trading account balance.
Types of Take Profit
Depending on the analysis and trade duration, take profit orders fall into two categories:
- Good for Day (GFD): If the target price is not reached by the end of the trading day, the position is closed automatically;
- Good till Canceled (GTC): The order remains active until the price target is reached or the trader cancels it manually.
what is SL and TP Advantages and Disadvantages
Using stop loss and take profit orders enables effective risk and capital management in trading. However, these orders can also cap the maximum potential profit of a trade.
The table below outlines the pros and cons of using SL and TP orders:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Enhanced risk and capital management | Limits the profit potential of winning trades |
Facilitates long-term performance tracking | Prone to stop hunting |
Protects against large losses | May be triggered at inaccurate prices during high volatility |
Defines risk-to-reward ratios | SL may trigger even if price doesn’t reach the specified level precisely |
How to Calculate Stop Loss and Take Profit
The calculation of stop loss and take profit levels depends on the trading strategy and type of analysis used such as fundamental or technical.
Calculation Based on Fundamental Analysis
In fundamental analysis, various factors of an asset are evaluated to estimate its intrinsic value. If the current price deviates significantly from this intrinsic value, a trade may be initiated. The SL and TP levels are then determined based on this calculated fair value.
Calculation Based on Technical Analysis
In technical analysis, the market is examined through liquidity behavior. By identifyingsupport and resistance levels, traders can set appropriate stop loss and take profit orders aligned with market structure.
Practical Examples of Setting Stop Loss and Take Profit
In the example below, price moves toward a resistance zone after forming a range. A candlestick pattern confirms a reversal into a downtrend.
In this setup, the stop loss is placed above the resistance zone and the wick of the last bullish candle. The take profit target is set inside the first valid support zone.
what is SL and TP Importance and Application
The primary function of stop loss and take profit is to support risk and capital management. By setting SL and TP levels, the risk-to-reward ratio of each trade is defined, which helps maintain a consistently growing account over time.
Capital Management
Stop loss and take profit orders determine how much of the total capital is at risk in each trade and how much will be added to the account if the trade is profitable.
Managing these amounts allows traders to evaluate their long-term performance effectively.
Risk Management
Since financial markets are inherently uncertain, it’s essential to manage the risk exposure of each trade using a stop loss.
Without risk control, long-term performance tracking becomes unreliable.
Defining Risk-to-Reward Ratio
The risk-to-reward ratio is calculated using the following formula:
Based on the win rate of different trading styles, it's advisable to avoid trades with a risk-to-reward ratio below 1.1.
Set and Forget Trading System
The Set and Forget strategy involves entering a trade after market analysis and then stepping away from the market without further monitoring.
In this system, both stop loss and take profit orders are defined at the time of entry. The trade remains active until the price reaches either SL or TP—whichever comes first.
There is no active trade management during the position, making it a popular method among traders who prefer low-intervention strategies.
Combining Stop Loss and Take Profit with Other Technical Analysis Tools
To refine the placement of stop loss and take profit, traders can use various technical indicators. These tools help identify SL and TP levels based on liquidity behavior and historical price movement averages.
Using Moving Averages to Set SL and TP
A moving average line acts as dynamic support or resistance, depending on the price’s position relative to it.
When price moves below the moving average, the stop loss is typically set above it. When price is above, the SL is set below the moving average line.
Using the ATR Indicator to Set SL and TP
The Average True Range (ATR) indicator measures the market’s current volatility.
If the ATR shows high volatility, it indicates longer price swings. As a result, the distance between the entry point and SL/TP should be wider than usual.
Common Mistakes in Setting Stop Loss and Take Profit
Accurately placing stop loss and take profit orders requires experience with specific trading styles, deep understanding of market structure, and detailed observation of liquidity behavior.
Some common mistakes that lead to premature stop-outs—even with correct analysis—include:
- Using a single time frame for analysis
- Failing to assess liquidity direction
- Entering trades emotionally, without final confirmation
- Placing SL too close to the entry point
- Positioning SL within key zones such as support or resistance
Conclusion
A stop loss order is placed at a specific price level to close a losing trade; If the market moves against the analysis, thereby limiting further losses.
A take profit order, on the other hand, is executed at a predefined level when the market moves in favor of the trade, securing the profit into the trading account.
Using stop loss and take profit orders enables traders to evaluate the long-term performance of their trading strategies.
Different types of SL and TP orders—such as trailing stops and time-based stops—are essential tools for managing risk and capital. By defining SL and TP for each trade, traders can calculate the risk-to-reward ratio, allowing for optimized trading decisions.
