Gartley pattern
A five-point shape (X, A, B, C, D) whose legs follow set Fibonacci ratios, ending with D at 78.6% of the first leg.
What it shows
The Gartley is the original harmonic pattern, described by H. M. Gartley in 1935 and given Fibonacci ratios by Scott Carney. It has five points: X, A, B, C and D. Each leg retraces a set share of the one before.
The key rules: B is 61.8% of XA, D is 78.6% of XA, and CD is 127.2% to 161.8% of BC. D is called the potential reversal zone. Our code only marks completed shapes.
How we find it
The same code that draws it on your chart follows these steps, with the same result every time.
- Find five alternating swing points X, A, B, C, D.
- B must be 61.8% of XA (±5%).
- C must be 38.2% to 88.6% of AB.
- D must be 78.6% of XA (±5%) and CD must be 127.2% to 161.8% of BC.
Starting values: Ratio tolerance ±5%; B 61.8% of XA; D 78.6% of XA. These are proposed and will be tuned on real price data before launch.
How to read it
- Dots are the five points.
- Dashed lines show the ratio triangles.
- D sits above the starting point X.
Status labels you may see
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Pattern forming | Points X through C match, D has not been reached. |
| Pattern complete | D matches the ratio rule. |
| Invalidated | Price closed beyond X. |
What cancels it
A close beyond point X.
What traders check next
- Whether the ratios match closely or loosely.
- What happened at D.
- Whether other levels agree with D.
Limits
- With a ±5% tolerance many shapes qualify.
- Rarely tested well in research.
- Patterns are easy to find after the fact.
Try it in forecastviz
- Open any ticker and choose Fibonacci and harmonic patterns → Gartley pattern in the left menu.
- Switch between 6M, 1Y, 3Y to see how the picture changes.
- Compare with Bat pattern and Butterfly pattern on the same chart.
Questions
Is there a downward version?
Yes. The mirror image, with X as a high.
Why are the ratios so exact?
They come from Carney's work. We use a tolerance.
Related trends
Further reading
- Boroden, Fibonacci Trading
- Carney, Harmonic Trading
- Murphy, Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets
Educational only. Not financial advice, and not a price forecast. Charts are drawn by code from past price data, which may be delayed.