Using ADR to set realistic scalping targets
Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2026 8:32 pm
I used to set fixed targets of 10 pips on EURUSD. On some days that was a joke, on others it was far too small. Now targets depend on the average daily range (ADR).
How I do it:
On a 90-pip day after big news, ADR stretches and targets can be bigger.
What this changed in my journal: fewer trades that came within a couple of pips of target and reversed. Win rate went up a bit, average win down a bit, overall slightly better.
Limitation: ADR is backward-looking. On days of big scheduled events, it underestimates. So I widen it on NFP, CPI and central bank days.
Does anyone use ADR or ATR-based targets for scalps? What percentages work for you?
How I do it:
- ADR = average of the last 10 daily ranges.
- Each morning I check how much of today's ADR has already been used by the time I trade.
- Target for a scalp: no more than 10–15% of ADR, and no more than what's left of the expected range.
On a 90-pip day after big news, ADR stretches and targets can be bigger.
What this changed in my journal: fewer trades that came within a couple of pips of target and reversed. Win rate went up a bit, average win down a bit, overall slightly better.
Limitation: ADR is backward-looking. On days of big scheduled events, it underestimates. So I widen it on NFP, CPI and central bank days.
Does anyone use ADR or ATR-based targets for scalps? What percentages work for you?