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Fibonacci Extension Calculator: calculate forex price targets

Plug in your A-B-C swing and get every extension level — 61.8% through 261.8% — projected as real prices, so you know where to take profit or expect the next reaction.

Calculator· Updated Aug 2026· By Liam Webb
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Fibonacci Extension Calculator

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The start of the initial impulse move.
The high (bullish) or low (bearish) of the impulse move.
Where price pulled back to before the next leg.
Projected extension levels
61.8%–
78.6%–
100%–
127.2%–
138.2%–
161.8%–
200%–
261.8%–
Formula: Extension = C + (B − A) × ratio. Highlighted rows (100%, 127.2%, 161.8%) are the levels price reacts to most often — good first targets for partial profit-taking or watching for a reversal.
Heads up
Extensions project where price could react next, not where it's guaranteed to stop. Treat each level as a zone to watch for confirmation — ideally alongside a supply/demand zone or round-number confluence — not an automatic exit signal.
1.618
The "golden ratio" — the most watched extension level for trend-continuation targets.
170 pips
The 100% extension distance in the default example (A=1.0850, B=1.1020, C=1.0940).
3 points
The minimum required to project an extension: A, B, and C. Two points make a line, three make a projection.
On this page
  1. Why extensions are a different question from retracements
  2. How to use this calculator
  3. Three worked examples
  4. Picking the right A-B-C points
  5. The ratios: what each one means
  6. Which extension level to use as your target
  7. Combining extensions with other confluences
  8. Common Fibonacci extension mistakes
  9. Methodology & formulas
  10. Glossary of key terms
  11. FAQ

Why extensions are a different question from retracements

A Fibonacci retracement measures how far a pullback goes inside an existing move. An extension measures the opposite question — once price breaks past the original swing high or low, how far is the next leg likely to run? That's the number that matters for setting price targets, planning partial exits, and knowing where the next reaction zone probably sits.

The calculator above uses the standard three-point A-B-C method: A and B mark the original impulse, C marks where the retracement ended, and every extension level is projected forward from C using the size of the A-B move. Feed it your three swing points and it hands you the full ladder — 61.8% through 261.8% — as real, tradeable prices.

The reason extensions matter more than retracements for target setting is simple: a retracement tells you where a pullback might end, but a pullback that ends at the 50% level is no more or less likely to produce a 50-pip target than a 100-pip target. Extensions, by contrast, project directly from the size of the original move — if the A-B swing was 170 pips, the 100% extension is exactly 170 pips above point C. That's a concrete, measurable target that ties the new leg to the size of the old one. In trending markets, the next leg of a trend frequently equals or exceeds the prior leg, which is why the 100%, 127.2%, and 161.8% levels work as well as they do.

They also matter because of confluence. An extension level by itself is just a number on a chart. An extension level that sits on a prior swing high, near a round number, and aligns with the daily ATR projection is a much stronger target — three different reasons for price to react at the same level. This calculator hands you the extension ladder; the rest of the work is reading the chart to find which level has the most confluence behind it.

Stack the confluence
An extension level means more when something else agrees with it — a round psychological number, a prior support/resistance zone, or a supply/demand area. Run the same chart through the round number and support & resistance calculators below before trusting the target on its own.

The three numbers that drive the projection

  • 100% extension — the point where the new leg equals the size of the original A-B move; often the first meaningful target.
  • 127.2% / 161.8% — the two levels price reacts to most consistently; a common zone for scaling out or watching for reversal.
  • 200% / 261.8% — larger, less frequent targets that usually only come into play on strong trending moves.

How to use this calculator

Five fields. The first three are the swing points you identify on the chart; the rest control the output format.

  1. Pick the swing direction. Bullish if A→B is an upward impulse, bearish if A→B is a downward impulse. The calculator flips the projection side automatically.
  2. Enter Point A. The starting point of the original impulse move. For a bullish setup, this is the swing low before the move up. For a bearish setup, the swing high before the move down.
  3. Enter Point B. The end of the original impulse — the swing high (bullish) or swing low (bearish). This is the most important point; getting it wrong skews every projection.
  4. Enter Point C. Where the retracement ended. For a bullish setup, this is the higher low after B that price bounced from. For a bearish setup, the lower high after B.
  5. Pick the price decimals setting. 5 for most FX pairs, 3 for JPY pairs, 2 for metals/indices.

The right-hand panel updates live. Each row is a specific extension ratio projected as a tradeable price. The three highlighted rows (100%, 127.2%, 161.8%) are the levels price reacts to most often and are usually where you'll set targets.

Pro tip
Plot the points on the chart before running the calculator, not after. If you're squinting at the screen trying to figure out which swing to use, you've already started with the wrong inputs. The A-B-C swing should be obvious to anyone looking at the chart at the same timeframe.
Worked Examples

Three worked examples

Same pattern, three different scenarios. Run these through the calculator above to verify the math.

Example 1

EUR/USD bullish ABCD

Standard bullish ABCD pattern. A=1.0850, B=1.1020, C=1.0940, looking for upside targets.
Direction: Bullish
A = 1.0850, B = 1.1020, C = 1.0940
A-B distance: 0.0170 (170 pips)
100% = 1.0940 + 0.0170 = 1.1110
127.2% = 1.0940 + 0.02163 = 1.11563
161.8% = 1.0940 + 0.02751 = 1.12151
Targets: 1.1110, 1.1156, 1.1215. The 1.1110 round number adds confluence.
Example 2

GBP/USD bearish projection

Bearish trend pullback. A=1.2750, B=1.2500, C=1.2650, looking for downside continuation.
Direction: Bearish
A = 1.2750, B = 1.2500, C = 1.2650
A-B distance: -0.0250 (-250 pips)
100% = 1.2650 + (-0.0250) = 1.2400
127.2% = 1.2650 + (-0.0318) = 1.2332
161.8% = 1.2650 + (-0.04045) = 1.22455
Targets: 1.2400, 1.2332, 1.2246. The 1.2400 is a major round number.
Example 3

XAU/USD gold breakout

Gold breakout continuation. A=2300, B=2400, C=2350 (2-decimal metal).
Direction: Bullish
A = 2300, B = 2400, C = 2350
A-B distance: +100
100% = 2350 + 100 = 2450
161.8% = 2350 + 161.80 = 2511.80
200% = 2350 + 200 = 2550
Targets: $2,450, $2,512, $2,550. The $2,500 round number sits between the 161.8% and 200% levels.
Notice
In all three examples, the 100% extension lands near a psychologically important round number (1.1100, 1.2400, $2,450). This is not a coincidence — markets tend to extend through prior swings, and prior swings often coincide with round numbers. The combination of "extension level" + "round number" is a higher-conviction target than either alone.

Picking the right A-B-C points

The accuracy of the projection depends entirely on the quality of the three points you choose. Get them right and the extensions land on real reaction zones. Get them wrong and the levels are meaningless. Here's how to choose well.

The A-B swing: the original impulse

Point A is the start of a clear, decisive move. Point B is its end. The move between them should be:

  • Unambiguous. It should be a leg of the trend, not a choppy range. If you have to argue with yourself about whether A and B are the right points, they aren't.
  • Significant in size. Tiny A-B swings (5-10 pips on a 1H chart) produce tiny extension projections. Use swings that are at least 2-3x your typical stop distance.
  • From a higher timeframe if possible. A swing identified on the daily chart produces more meaningful extensions than one identified on the 5-minute chart.

The C point: the retracement anchor

Point C is where the pullback ended and the next leg began. This is the point that causes the most confusion. Two practical rules:

  • Wait for C to be confirmed before projecting. A C point that price is still forming can't anchor a projection. The retracement has to have ended and price has to have started moving in the direction of the next leg before you commit to the levels.
  • Use the most obvious higher low (or lower high). The C point is usually at a clear support level in an uptrend (or resistance in a downtrend), and ideally at a Fibonacci retracement level itself — the 50%, 61.8%, or 78.6% of A-B.

The "if you squint, it works" trap

A common mistake is selecting A, B, and C to fit a pre-existing price level. The price is at 1.2750, and the trader picks A-B-C such that the 161.8% extension lands exactly on 1.2750. This is backwards — the levels should fall where the math says they fall, not where the trader wants them to fall. If the projections don't line up with any meaningful level on the chart, the A-B-C selection is probably wrong.

If in doubt, use the swing points the platform suggests
Most charting platforms have an Auto Fibonacci tool that detects the most recent swing high and low. Use that as a starting point, then adjust the points manually if a more obvious swing exists. The platform's auto-detection is rarely perfect, but it's a reliable starting point.

The ratios: what each one means

Every extension level is a multiple of the A-B distance, projected from point C. Here's what each one means in practice and how often price actually reacts there.

Level Math What it means How often it holds
61.8% C + 0.618 × (B−A) Shallow target — the new leg is 62% the size of the original. Common in weak trends or when C retraced deeply. Rarely a final target, often the first pause in a slow move.
78.6% C + 0.786 × (B−A) Just under equal-leg. Useful for tighter R:R setups where the new leg is only slightly bigger than a typical retracement. Reasonable in ranging markets, less common in strong trends.
100% C + 1.0 × (B−A) Equal-legs projection. The new leg equals the size of the original impulse. One of the most consistent reaction levels in trending markets. Hits often. First target for most ABCD setups.
127.2% C + 1.272 × (B−A) Square-root-of-2 extension. A favourite target for many SMC/ICT traders. Frequently lines up with structural levels. High hit rate. Strong second target after 100%.
138.2% C + 1.382 × (B−A) Another square-root variant. Less commonly used than 127.2% but reacts similarly. Often treated as a confluence with 127.2% / 161.8%.
161.8% C + 1.618 × (B−A) The "golden ratio" extension. The most watched single level for trend-continuation targets. Hits often in strong trends; the third and final target for most ABCD setups.
200% C + 2.0 × (B−A) Double the original move. Only relevant on strong, sustained trends with shallow retracements. Less common — usually signals an extended trend nearing exhaustion.
261.8% C + 2.618 × (B−A) Deep extension. Only seen on very strong, persistent moves (think 2008 gold, 2020 tech rally). Rare. Mostly a "wouldn't it be nice" target.

The practical rule: if you're only going to mark one or two levels on the chart, mark 100% and 161.8%. They cover most of the meaningful reactions in trending markets, and ignoring the rest keeps the chart readable. Add 127.2% if you want a third level, or use it for a partial exit between 100% and 161.8%.

Which extension level to use as your target

Picking a target is a balance between giving the trade enough room to work and not being so ambitious that the trade rarely fills. Here's how to choose the right level for your setup.

By trend strength

Trend character Retracement depth at C Likely target
Strong / impulsive Shallow (38-50% of A-B) 161.8% / 200%
Normal trend Standard (50-61.8% of A-B) 127.2% / 161.8%
Weak / corrective Deep (61.8-78.6% of A-B) 100% / 127.2%
Range-bound Very deep (78.6%+ of A-B) 61.8% / 78.6% (if at all)

Scaling out across multiple levels

A common approach is to split the position across two or three extension levels rather than committing the full position to a single target. For example: close 50% at the 100% extension (lock in some profit), close 25% at the 127.2% (most trades fill here), and let the remaining 25% run to the 161.8% with a trailing stop. This smooths the equity curve and gives the trade room to extend without over-committing to the deepest target.

R:R sanity check
Whatever target you pick, run it through the Risk/Reward Ratio calculator to confirm the R:R is at least 1.5:1 against your planned stop. A 127.2% extension that gives a 1:1 R:R isn't worth taking — wait for a tighter stop, a better entry, or a higher extension level.
📄 Free Download

The Fibonacci Extension Cheatsheet

A one-page reference for every extension ratio, what it means, and how to use it for price targets — print it, pin it next to your monitor, done.

  • Every key ratio (61.8% to 261.8%) with plain-English notes
  • Which levels to use for partial profit-taking vs. full targets
  • How extensions combine with supply & demand zones
  • A printable A-B-C selection checklist
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Fib Extension Cheatsheet
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Combining extensions with other confluences

An extension level by itself is a guess. An extension level that aligns with two or three other reasons for price to react is a high-conviction target. Here are the confluences that matter most.

1. Round numbers

Round numbers like 1.1000, 1.2000, 150.00 on USD/JPY attract orders and tend to act as magnets. If your 127.2% extension lands within 20 pips of a major round number, that round number is probably a stronger target than the extension itself. Most of the time, both will be hit — the round number just provides the extra "weight" to tip the balance.

2. Prior swing highs and lows

A level where price has previously reversed is a level where orders are still sitting — limit orders, stop losses, and the memory of the traders who were involved the first time. If your 161.8% extension lands within 15-20 pips of a prior swing high on a higher timeframe, that's a strong target.

3. Supply and demand zones

If you've marked supply zones (for shorts) or demand zones (for longs) on the higher timeframes, look for an extension level that lands inside one. The extension provides the math, the zone provides the structure. The two together are much stronger than either alone.

4. Daily or weekly opening price

The daily open (00:00 UTC) and weekly open (Sunday 22:00 UTC) frequently act as inflection points. If your extension target falls on or very near one of these, it's a meaningful confluence that many institutional traders will be watching.

5. Other Fibonacci levels

Extensions on a higher timeframe can align with retracements on a lower timeframe. For example, a daily 161.8% extension might land exactly on a 4H 61.8% retracement of a different move. Two Fibonacci tools agreeing on the same price is one of the strongest confluences available.

Real-world example
You're long EUR/USD from a 4H demand zone, and the calculator gives you a 127.2% extension at 1.09250. The level 1.09300 is a prior swing high on the daily chart, 1.09000 is a round number just below, and 1.09250 happens to be the daily opening price from this morning. Three confluences on or very near the same price. That's a high-conviction target — close most of the position there and trail the rest with a tight stop.

Common Fibonacci extension mistakes

Extensions are easy to draw and easy to misuse. Here are the mistakes that show up most often in trading journals.

1. Picking the wrong swing points

Choosing A, B, and C to fit a pre-existing price level is the single most common error. The math should follow the structure, not the other way around. If the projections don't fall on meaningful levels, the swing selection is probably wrong — try a different A or a different B.

2. Marking every level on the chart

Putting all eight extension levels on the chart makes the chart unreadable and creates a target at every price. Pick the 2-3 levels that matter for the trade (usually 100% and 161.8%, plus 127.2% if it's between them) and ignore the rest.

3. Treating extensions as automatic targets

An extension level is a "watch here" zone, not a guaranteed reversal. Some level touches will reverse cleanly; others will slice right through. Look for confirmation (a candlestick rejection, a momentum shift, a volume spike) before treating the level as a valid exit.

4. Using extensions without a stop loss

"I'm targeting 161.8% so I don't need a stop" is the most expensive mistake on this list. Extensions can fail. If the trade moves against you and you have no stop, the loss is unbounded. Always pair the extension target with a structural stop loss.

5. Confusing retracements and extensions

A 50% retracement and a 50% extension are very different things. The 50% retracement sits at half the A-B distance, projected from B back toward A. The 50% extension sits at half the A-B distance, projected from C in the direction of the original trend. Different anchor, different direction, different meaning. Always check the calc note in the output panel to confirm which one you're looking at.

6. Drawing extensions on every timeframe

Putting 5-minute and 4-hour and weekly extensions on the same chart creates visual noise and conflicting signals. Pick one timeframe — usually the one you'll be holding the trade on — and use the extensions from that timeframe as your targets.

No self-fulfilling prophecy
Fibonacci levels don't work because "the market believes in them" — they work because they describe proportional relationships that occur in trending markets for structural reasons. A level with no other confluence (no round number, no prior swing, no S/D zone) is mathematically interesting but practically weak. Always look for the confluence, not just the math.

Methodology & formulas

All numbers in this calculator are computed client-side from the three swing points you provide. No data is sent to a server. Here are the exact formulas and what they assume.

The extension formula

Output Formula
Signed A-B distance d = B − A (positive for bullish, negative for bearish)
Extension level at ratio r level = C + d × r
Common ratios used 0.618, 0.786, 1.0, 1.272, 1.382, 1.618, 2.0, 2.618

Where the ratios come from

The Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, ...) has a peculiar property: the ratio of any number to the previous one converges to approximately 1.618 (the "golden ratio" or phi). Its inverse is 0.618. The square root of 1.618 is approximately 1.272. These three ratios — 0.618, 1.0, 1.272, 1.382, 1.618 — are the most common Fibonacci-derived levels in trading. The 2.0 and 2.618 levels are extensions of the same family and work for the same reason: markets tend to move in proportional relationships.

Assumptions and limits

  • The projection is direction-agnostic. The formula works the same way for bullish and bearish setups — it just flips which side of C the levels appear on. The trader has to pick the correct direction before the levels are meaningful.
  • Quality depends on swing selection. The same formula with different A, B, and C produces different levels. Garbage in, garbage out — if the swing points are arbitrary, the levels are arbitrary.
  • No stop or risk included. The calculator outputs target levels only. Pair each target with a stop loss (using the Stop Loss Calculator or ATR Calculator) to determine position size and R:R.
  • No time component. Extensions tell you where price might react, not when. A trade can take 1 hour or 1 week to reach the target — extensions don't differentiate.

Glossary of key terms

Quick definitions for the jargon used in this calculator and in Fibonacci-based trading generally.

ABCD pattern
A three-point price pattern: A to B is the original impulse, B to C is the retracement. Extensions project from C as a fourth leg (D).
Retracement
A pullback within an existing trend, measured as a percentage of the prior move. 50% retracement = price pulled back half the A-B distance.
Extension
A projection beyond the original move, anchored at the end of the retracement (point C), measured as a multiple of the A-B distance.
Golden ratio (phi)
Approximately 1.618. The ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers converges to this value. The 61.8% and 161.8% levels are derived from it.
Impulse move
A strong, decisive price move in the direction of the trend, often containing 3-5 internal waves. Forms the A-B leg of an extension setup.
Swing high / low
A peak (high) or trough (low) on the chart that is clearly higher/lower than the candles around it. The anchor points for A, B, and C.
Confluence
When two or more technical signals point to the same price level. A Fibonacci extension that aligns with a round number and a prior swing is a high-confluence target.
Take profit
A pending order that closes the position at a pre-set profitable level. The extension level is one common placement for this order.
Stop loss
A pending order that closes the position if price moves against you. Should always be placed even when targeting an extension level.
Risk/Reward ratio (R:R)
The ratio of potential loss (stop distance) to potential gain (target distance). Use the extension target to calculate this with the R:R calculator.
Higher timeframe
A longer-period chart used for context. Extension levels on the daily chart are stronger than extension levels on the 5-minute chart.
Equal legs
When the new leg (C to D) is the same size as the original A-B move. The 100% extension is the equal-legs projection.

Retracements tell you where price might pause. Extensions tell you where it might go next.

A Fibonacci retracement measures how far a pullback goes inside an existing move. An extension measures the opposite question — once price breaks past the original swing high or low, how far is the next leg likely to run? That's the number that matters for setting price targets, planning partial exits, and knowing where the next reaction zone probably sits.

The calculator above uses the standard three-point A-B-C method: A and B mark the original impulse, C marks where the retracement ended, and every extension level is projected forward from C using the size of the A-B move. Feed it your three swing points and it hands you the full ladder — 61.8% through 261.8% — as real, tradeable prices.

  • 100% extension — the point where the new leg equals the size of the original A-B move; often the first meaningful target.
  • 127.2% / 161.8% — the two levels price reacts to most consistently; a common zone for scaling out or watching for reversal.
  • 200% / 261.8% — larger, less frequent targets that usually only come into play on strong trending moves.

FAQ — Fibonacci extension quick answers

What's the difference between a retracement and an extension?

A retracement measures a pullback inside an existing move (0% to 100% of A-B). An extension projects beyond the original move, starting from the retracement's end point (C), to estimate how far the next leg could go.

Which extension level should I use as my main target?

The 127.2% and 161.8% levels are the most commonly watched for reactions, making them a sensible default for a first target or partial exit. The 100% level is worth marking too, since it's often where the first meaningful pause happens.

Do I need three points (A, B, C) or just two?

Extensions need three points. A and B set the size of the original move, and C — where the retracement ended — is the anchor the extension levels are projected from.

Can I use this for both bullish and bearish setups?

Yes — switch the swing direction toggle above the calculator. The formula works the same way for uptrends and downtrends, it just flips which levels sit above versus below price.

What if my C point is still forming when I want to use the calculator?

Wait. A C point that's still being made can't anchor a projection. If the retracement deepens, all your extension levels will move further away from price. Wait until price has reversed from the C area and is moving in the direction of the new leg before committing to a projection.

Are extensions reliable enough to use as a complete trading system?

No — extensions are a target-setting tool, not a complete system. They tell you where price might react, not when to enter or which direction to trade. They work best as one input among many: structure, supply/demand zones, momentum, and a stop loss at structure.

Which timeframe is best for picking A, B, and C?

Use the timeframe you'll be holding the trade on. Day traders should use 1H or 4H charts to pick the swing points. Swing traders should use daily. The higher the timeframe, the more meaningful the levels, but also the larger the target distances.

Do extensions work the same on gold, oil, and crypto?

Yes — the formula is identical. The only difference is the price scale. On gold (XAU/USD), the A-B distance might be $50-100; on BTC/USD, it might be $1,000-5,000. The same ratios apply, and the same hit-rate holds. Use 2-decimal mode for the calculator when working with metals or indices.

Why does my 161.8% target look ridiculously far away?

Because 161.8% is the new leg being 1.618x the size of the original move. If your A-B swing was 200 pips, the 161.8% extension is 324 pips above C — which can be far above current price if price has just started the new leg. That's normal. Either wait for price to travel towards it, or use a closer target (100% or 127.2%) for a faster exit.

Can I combine two extensions from different swings?

Yes — and when two independent extensions from different swings land on the same price, that's a high-conviction area. For example, if the 4H 127.2% extension from one ABCD and the daily 161.8% extension from another ABCD both project to 1.0950, that level is worth watching closely. Multi-swing confluence is one of the strongest setups in Fibonacci trading.

How often does price actually react at these levels?

The 100% and 161.8% levels react roughly 60-70% of the time in trending markets (with appropriate confluence). The deeper levels (200%, 261.8%) hit less often — closer to 30-40% — but when they do, the move is significant. Treat the deeper extensions as bonus targets rather than expected ones.

Next step

Learn the Smart Money side of Fibonacci

Extensions are more reliable once you understand why price reacts at these ratios in the first place — that's what the Golden Zone guide covers.

Read the Golden Zone guide → Grab the cheatsheet
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