Best Timeframe for Intraday Trading?
-
Hello everyone. I have been scalping on 5-minute and 15-minute charts but I keep getting stopped out by quick reversals. I want to refine my approach by finding a timeframe that filters noise but still gives enough precision for entries. Which timeframe do you prefer for intraday trades and how do you combine multiple timeframes in your routine?
-
I personally use a three-layer framework. On the 1-hour chart I determine the overall trend direction. Then on the 15-minute chart I look for pullbacks to moving averages or pivot points. Finally on the 5-minute chart I fine-tune my entry when I see a clean reversal candle pattern.
For example today on ETH/USD the 1-hour was clearly in an uptrend, the 15-minute pulled back to its 50-period SMA with volume contraction and then expanded again. On the 5-minute I waited for a bullish engulfing candle above the previous bar high before entering. This multi-timeframe approach reduces false entries and gives me confidence that I am trading with the larger momentum instead of against it.
-
When I mentor new traders I emphasize context. Intraday charts can feel chaotic if you ignore the bigger picture. Here is my process step by step:
Daily Chart
Identify major support and resistance levels. Mark at least three key highs and lows that have held over the past week.
4-Hour Chart
Confirm whether price is above or below your chosen daily levels. This tells you if you should bias long or short on shorter timeframes.
1-Hour Chart
Add 50 and 200 SMAs. Look for crossovers or confluence of SMA with your levels.
15-Minute Chart
Wait for a retracement into a confluence zone (for example SMA and horizontal level intersecting).
5-Minute Chart
Set up alerts on price reaching that 15-minute confluence. When alerted, switch to 1-minute to nail down your exact entry candle (pin bar, inside bar, or engulfing candle).
This layered method might take a bit longer but your win rate will improve because you only take trades that align across every timeframe you watch.
