Learn to identify ascending triangles, descending triangles, rising wedges, and falling wedges. Build on your trend line and channel skills to spot these powerful continuation and reversal patterns.
A complete guide to triangles and wedges — connecting trend lines and channels to form powerful chart patterns.
Triangles vs Wedges explained
⏱️ 8 min readUsing trend lines correctly
⏱️ 10 min readEntries, stops & targets
⏱️ 12 min readWhat to avoid
⏱️ 5 min readTest your understanding
⏱️ 3 min quizPattern checklist
📋 ReferenceTriangles and wedges are formed when you draw two converging trend lines around price action. Unlike parallel channels where the lines never meet, these patterns have lines that eventually converge at an "apex" point — creating a squeeze that typically leads to a breakout.
This lesson connects directly to what you've learned:
What defines a triangle pattern?
Click to revealTriangles have ONE horizontal line and ONE angled line. The horizontal line acts as clear support or resistance. They are typically CONTINUATION patterns (price continues its prior trend).
What defines a wedge pattern?
Click to revealWedges have TWO angled lines that BOTH slope in the same direction (both up or both down). They are typically REVERSAL patterns — price breaks OPPOSITE to the wedge direction.
Why does the apex matter?
Click to revealThe apex is where the two lines would meet. Price usually breaks out BEFORE reaching the apex (typically 2/3 to 3/4 of the way). A breakout too close to the apex often lacks momentum.
Flat resistance + rising support. Buyers are getting more aggressive (higher lows), testing the same ceiling repeatedly.
Falling resistance + flat support. Sellers are getting more aggressive (lower highs), testing the same floor repeatedly.
Both lines slope upward. Price is rising but momentum is weakening (lines converging). Often forms at the end of an uptrend.
Both lines slope downward. Price is falling but selling pressure is weakening (lines converging). Often forms at the end of a downtrend.
| Pattern | Upper Line | Lower Line | Type | Breakout Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascending Triangle | Flat (horizontal) | Rising (ascending) | Continuation | ↑ Bullish |
| Descending Triangle | Falling (descending) | Flat (horizontal) | Continuation | ↓ Bearish |
| Rising Wedge | Rising | Rising (steeper) | Reversal | ↓ Bearish |
| Falling Wedge | Falling (steeper) | Falling | Reversal | ↑ Bullish |
Drawing triangles and wedges uses the same trend line skills you've already learned — but now you're drawing TWO converging lines instead of parallel ones. Here's the step-by-step process.
Remember how channels use two parallel trend lines? Triangles and wedges are similar, but the lines CONVERGE instead of staying parallel. Think of it as a channel that's being "squeezed" from one or both sides.
Look for an area where price is making a series of highs and lows that are compressing together. The range should be narrowing over time — this is the "squeeze" that precedes a breakout.
Start with the line that's easier to identify. For ascending triangles, this is usually the flat resistance. For wedges, start with whichever line has the clearest touch points. You need at least 2 touches, ideally 3+.
Connect the opposite swing points. For triangles, this line will be angled while one stays flat. For wedges, both lines will angle in the same direction but at different rates (converging).
Check that: (1) Both lines have at least 2 touches each, (2) The lines are clearly converging toward an apex, (3) Price is bouncing between the lines. If the lines are parallel, you have a channel, not a triangle/wedge.
Extend your lines to find where they would meet (the apex). Price typically breaks out 2/3 to 3/4 of the way to the apex. Mark this zone — it's where you'll watch for the breakout.
Each line needs at least 2 touches to be drawn, but 3+ touches on each line makes the pattern much more reliable. The more times price respects the boundary, the more significant the eventual breakout will be.
Generally, connect the wicks for the most accurate lines — they show where buyers/sellers actually stepped in. Some traders prefer bodies for "cleaner" patterns. The key is to be consistent — don't mix wicks and bodies on the same pattern.
Minor wick violations are normal and don't invalidate the pattern — especially if the candle closes back inside. However, if the body closes outside the line with follow-through, the pattern may be breaking down (or breaking out early).
Extend your lines forward. If they would eventually meet at an apex, you have a wedge (converging lines). If they stay the same distance apart, you have a channel (parallel lines). Wedges lead to breakouts; channels can continue indefinitely.
Now let's put it all together with actionable trading strategies for each pattern. Remember: triangles are typically continuation patterns, while wedges are typically reversal patterns.
Bullish breakout above flat resistance
Enter when a candle CLOSES above the horizontal resistance line with strong momentum (ideally on higher volume).
Place your stop below the last touch of the rising support line, or below the entire pattern for a wider stop.
Measure the height of the triangle (from flat resistance to the first low) and project it upward from the breakout point.
More aggressive traders can buy bounces off the rising support line BEFORE the breakout, with stops below the line.
Bearish breakdown below flat support
Enter SHORT when a candle CLOSES below the horizontal support line with conviction (higher volume preferred).
Place your stop above the last touch of the falling resistance line, or above the entire pattern for safety.
Measure the height of the triangle and project it DOWNWARD from the breakdown point. This is your minimum target.
Aggressive traders can short bounces off the falling resistance line BEFORE the breakdown, with stops above the line.
Bearish reversal — price breaks DOWN
Despite the upward slope, rising wedges typically break DOWN. Wait for a close below the lower support line.
This is a REVERSAL pattern — you're trading against the prior trend. Enter short when the breakdown is confirmed.
Place your stop above the last swing high inside the wedge. If price reclaims the wedge, the pattern has failed.
Measure from the widest part (start) of the wedge. Project that distance downward from the breakdown point.
Bullish reversal — price breaks UP
Despite the downward slope, falling wedges typically break UP. Wait for a close above the upper resistance line.
This is a REVERSAL pattern — you're betting the downtrend is over. Enter long when the breakout is confirmed.
Place your stop below the last swing low inside the wedge. If price falls back into the wedge, exit the trade.
Measure from the widest part (start) of the wedge. Project that distance upward from the breakout point.
Triangles have one horizontal line (flat support or resistance) and one angled line. They're typically continuation patterns.
Wedges have two angled lines that both slope the same direction. They're typically reversal patterns (break opposite the wedge direction).
Ascending triangles break UP (bullish). Descending triangles break DOWN (bearish).
Rising wedges break DOWN (bearish reversal). Falling wedges break UP (bullish reversal).
Wait for confirmation: The candle must CLOSE beyond the pattern line. Volume should increase on the breakout.
Target = Pattern Height: Measure the widest part of the pattern and project from the breakout point.
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Always do your own research before making trading decisions.