Gold Volatility Calculator
How much does XAUUSD typically move in a day? Enter recent daily High, Low and Close values — get the Average True Range (ATR), a volatility rating, and ATR-based stop-loss suggestions.
Why ATR matters for your stop-loss. A stop tighter than the ATR gets hunted by normal noise; a stop at 1.5×–2× ATR breathes with the market. Calculate your number below, then size the trade around it. See how to use it ↓
Daily High / Low / Close
Sample XAUUSD data is pre-filled — replace it with your own daily values. Leave a row fully empty to skip it. Day 14 should be the most recent day.
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What is ATR?
Average True Range measures how much XAUUSD moves — not which direction. A $30 ATR means gold typically travels about $30 from extreme to extreme each day, including overnight gaps.
True Range = max( High−Low, |High−prev Close|, |Low−prev Close| )
ATR(N) = average of the last N True Ranges
ATR% = (ATR ÷ current price) × 100
Using ATR for stop-loss placement
Conservative stop: 2.0 × ATR from entry — survives normal noise, wider risk.
Balanced stop: 1.5 × ATR from entry — common starting point for swing trades.
Tight stop: 1.0 × ATR — only for scalps; expect frequent stop-outs in normal conditions.
Rule of thumb: if your planned stop is smaller than 1× ATR, the market's normal daily swing can take you out before your idea plays out.
Worked example
Sample data above, 14-day: ATR = $29.49 (0.75% of $3,945.30) → Low volatility.
1.5× stop: $29.49 × 1.5 = $44.23 · 2× stop: $29.49 × 2 = $58.97
Meaning: a $44 stop gives the trade room for ~1.5 average daily swings; a $59 stop covers ~2 full days of normal movement.
Assumptions & limitations
- Simple average, not Wilder's smoothing. TradingView's ATR uses Wilder's smoothing (an EMA-like formula). This tool uses a transparent simple average — values will differ slightly from TV. Both are valid; consistency matters more than the variant.
- ATR measures magnitude, not direction. A high ATR does not mean price will go up or down — only that swings are large.
- Past volatility ≠ future volatility. News events (NFP, FOMC, CPI) can spike ATR far above the average without warning.
- Sample data is illustrative. Replace it with your own broker's daily H/L/C for your market read.
- Results are educational only — not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ATR in gold trading?
Average True Range is the average of the True Range over N days, expressed in dollars. For XAUUSD it answers "how many dollars does gold typically swing per day?" — e.g. $29.49 means ~$29 of daily movement on average.
How is True Range different from the daily range?
Daily range is just High−Low. True Range also captures overnight gaps by comparing today's High/Low against yesterday's Close. If gold gaps up $15 overnight, True Range includes it — daily range misses it.
What is a normal ATR for XAUUSD?
Typically $25–$40 per day (~0.6–1.0% of price) in normal conditions. Below 1.0% reads as Low, 1.0–2.0% as Normal, above 2.0% as High on this tool. News weeks can push it far higher.
How do I use ATR for my stop-loss?
Multiply ATR by 1.5×–2× and place your stop that far from entry. A stop smaller than 1× ATR risks getting stopped by normal daily noise before your trade idea plays out. Always combine with structure (below support / above resistance).
Why is your ATR different from TradingView's?
TradingView uses Wilder's smoothing (a running average that weights history). This tool uses a simple average of the last N True Ranges — fully transparent, every number visible in the breakdown table above. Expect small differences; both are valid.
Does ATR predict price direction?
No. ATR measures how much gold moves, never which way. Use it for stop sizing and position management — combine with trend/structure analysis for direction.