Camarilla pivots are the narrow-range cousin of classic pivot points. Where classic pivots use simple averages of yesterday’s H/L/C, Camarilla applies a multiplier (1.1) to the previous range and divides it by 12, 6, 4, and 2 — producing tighter, more reactive levels. The result: 8 levels (H1-H4, L1-L4) tightly clustered around the previous close, with H3 and L3 acting as the key reversal zones.
This guide covers the Camarilla MT4 indicator, the H3/L3 reversal strategy I trade range days, and how Camarilla compares to classic pivots.
What are Camarilla Pivots?
The Camarilla formula was popularised in the late 1980s by Nick Stott. It calculates 8 levels from the previous day’s range and close:
- H1 = Close + Range × 1.1 / 12
- H2 = Close + Range × 1.1 / 6
- H3 = Close + Range × 1.1 / 4 (key resistance)
- H4 = Close + Range × 1.1 / 2 (breakout level)
- L1, L2, L3, L4 = mirror below close
The reversal zones are H3 and L3 — when price tests H3 and fails to break above, expect a reversal back toward the close. Same for L3 reversals. H4 and L4 are the “breakout” levels — beyond these, the day is trending strongly and reversals from the levels are unlikely.
The level math produces tighter S/R than classic pivots, which makes Camarilla better suited for range-day intraday trading. On trending days, classic pivots’ wider R1/R2/R3 levels handle the bigger moves better.
How Camarilla Pivots Work on MT4
Our FOB_CamarillaPivots.ex4 calculates all 8 levels from the previous day’s H/L/C and plots them as horizontal lines extending across the current day. H3 and L3 are highlighted with thicker lines.
Three patterns matter for forex traders.
The first is H3 / L3 reversal. When price tests H3 (or L3) and rejects, the typical reaction is back toward the previous close. This is the textbook Camarilla setup and accounts for the majority of my Camarilla trades.
The second is H4 / L4 breakout. When price closes beyond H4 (or below L4), the reversal regime is over. The original direction is likely to extend into a trending day. Switch from fade-to-PP to trend-following.
The third is scenario classification. Camarilla traders classify each day as “scenario 1” (H3 reversal short), “scenario 2” (L3 reversal long), “scenario 3” (H4 breakout long), “scenario 4” (L4 breakdown short), or “scenario 5” (range between H3 and L3). The day’s price open relative to the previous close hints at which scenario is most likely.
Key Features
- Custom MT4 indicator (FOB_CamarillaPivots.ex4)
- Auto-calculation of H1-H4 + L1-L4
- H3 / L3 highlighted as key reversal zones (thicker lines)
- Configurable reference timeframe (D1, W1, MN1)
- Lines extend across current period with daily reset
- Optional level labels
- Non-repainting
Best Settings for Camarilla Indicator
The defaults work for most pairs.
| Use Case | Reference TF | Plotting TF | Watch Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trading | D1 (daily) | M15 / H1 | H3, L3, H4, L4 |
| Swing Trading | W1 (weekly) | H4 / D1 | WH3, WL3 |
Recommended starting point: H1 EURUSD with daily Camarilla. Watch H3 and L3 most closely.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tighter levels than classic pivots — better for range days | Custom install required — not built into MT4 |
| H3 / L3 reversal zones are some of the cleanest intraday signals | Less popular than classic pivots — fewer ready-made strategies online |
| Daily reset removes “stale level” problem | On strong trending days, all 4 reversal zones can break (scenario 3/4) |
| Mathematically derived — no fitting required | Best on majors with stable daily ranges; less reliable on volatile crosses |
How to Install Camarilla Pivots on MT4
The Camarilla indicator is custom. See install custom indicators on MT4.
Step 1: Download FOB_CamarillaPivots.ex4 from the form below.
Step 2: MT4 > File > Open Data Folder > MQL4 > Indicators. Drop the .ex4 in.
Step 3: Restart MT4 (or refresh Navigator).
Step 4: Drag FOB_CamarillaPivots onto your H1 chart with default settings.
Step 5: Save as a chart template (“Cam-H1”) for one-click reuse.
Trading Strategy: H3 / L3 Reversal
The cleanest Camarilla strategy. Best on H1 EURUSD, GBPUSD during European/NY range days.
Setup: FOB_CamarillaPivots with daily reference.
Long Entry (L3 bounce):
1. Daily session opens between L1 and H1 (range-day setup)
2. Price drifts down to test L3
3. A bullish rejection candle confirms at L3 (pin bar, engulfing)
4. Enter long on rejection candle close
5. Stop loss 5 pips below L4
6. Take profit at the previous day’s close (PP equivalent) or H1
Short Entry (H3 rejection):
1. Daily session opens between L1 and H1
2. Price drifts up to test H3
3. Bearish rejection candle confirms at H3
4. Enter short on rejection candle close
5. Stop loss 5 pips above H4
6. Take profit at previous close or L1
The discipline that matters: skip Camarilla reversal trades on news days. NFP, CPI, and FOMC days produce trending breakouts (scenario 3/4) where reversal trades from H3/L3 get stopped at H4/L4.
Camarilla vs Classic Pivots
Same input data (yesterday’s H/L/C); different math.
| Feature | Camarilla | Classic Pivots |
|---|---|---|
| Number of levels | 8 (H1-H4 + L1-L4) | 7 (PP + R1-R3 + S1-S3) |
| Level spacing | Tight (better for ranges) | Wider (better for trends) |
| Key levels | H3, L3 (reversal zones) | PP, R1, S1 (most-watched) |
Verdict: Use Camarilla on range days for fade-the-extreme entries; use Classic pivots when you want broader-range S/R. Many day traders run both — Camarilla for primary entries, Classic for context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Camarilla pivots free?
Yes. Our FOB_CamarillaPivots.ex4 is free below.
Do Camarilla pivots repaint?
No. Levels are calculated at session start from the previous day’s H/L/C and locked for the entire day.
What’s the difference between H3 and H4?
H3 is the reversal zone — fade rejections back to PP. H4 is the breakout level — beyond H4, the day is trending and reversal trades fail.
Best timeframe?
H1 with daily Camarilla is the workhorse. M15 for scalpers; H4 with weekly Camarilla for swing traders.
Can I use this on MT5?
Yes. Our enhanced version supports both platforms.
Download Camarilla Pivots Indicator for MT4 – Free
Camarilla pivots aren’t built into MT4. Our free FOB_CamarillaPivots.ex4 gives you:
- Auto-calculation of H1-H4 + L1-L4
- H3 / L3 highlighted as key reversal zones
- Configurable reference timeframe (D1, W1, MN1)
- Daily reset + optional level labels
- Non-repainting
Platform: MT4 (Build 1000+)
File type: .ex4
File size: 18 KB
Version: 1.0
Last updated: May 2026
Download the Camarilla Pivots Indicator – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Camarilla Pivots Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The non-repainting Camarilla Pivots Indicator file (.ex4) – install in 30 seconds
- Step-by-step installation guide with chart screenshots
- Best-performing settings for day trading and swing trading
- The exact H3/L3 reversal rules I use intraday
- Weekly trading insights from a developer with 16+ years of market experience
Download the Camarilla Pivot Indicator – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Camarilla Pivot Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The non-repainting Camarilla Pivot Indicator file (.ex4) – install in 30 seconds
- Step-by-step installation guide with chart screenshots
- Best-performing settings for scalping, day trading, and swing trading
- The exact entry and exit rules Dom uses in live trading
- Weekly trading insights from a developer with 16+ years of market experience
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Overall Rating: 4.4/5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.4/5 |
| Features | 4.3/5 |
| Value | 4.6/5 |
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