How CPR is calculated: the CPR formula
The CPR comes from the previous period’s high (H), low (L) and close (C). For crypto the “day” is usually the UTC day, 00:00 to 00:00 UTC.
- Pivot (P) = (H + L + C) ÷ 3
- Bottom Central (BC) = (H + L) ÷ 2
- Top Central (TC) = (P − BC) + P
- CPR width % = (TC − BC) ÷ P × 100
If TC works out below BC, the two are swapped, so TC is always the upper edge. Around the CPR sit the classic floor pivots: R1–R3 above and S1–S3 below.
Worked example. Yesterday’s high was 100, low 90 and close 98. Then P = (100 + 90 + 98) ÷ 3 = 96, BC = (100 + 90) ÷ 2 = 95 and TC = (96 − 95) + 96 = 97. Today’s CPR value is the zone from 95 to 97 around a pivot of 96, and its width is 2 ÷ 96 ≈ 2.1% of price, which is wide.
Narrow vs wide CPR
CPR width tells you about the previous session, which hints at the next one:
- Narrow CPR — the previous session closed near its midpoint after a balanced range. Narrow CPR sessions often trend, because the market is coiled.
- Wide CPR — the previous session was wide and directionless. The next one is more likely to range inside it.
For crypto, a CPR narrower than about 0.25% of price is narrow and wider than about 0.75% is wide — but compare each coin with its own history.
Using CPR for bias
- Price opens and holds above TC — bullish bias for the session. The CPR becomes support.
- Price opens and holds below BC — bearish bias. The CPR becomes resistance.
- Price chops inside the CPR — no edge. Wait.
Virgin CPR is a CPR that price never touched during its session. Traders watch untouched CPRs as magnets in later sessions.
CPR setups for crypto
Narrow-CPR breakout
A coiled session breaking out with volume — the classic trend-day setup.
Higher-timeframe confluence
Above today’s CPR and this week’s pivot — two timeframes agreeing.
R1 rejection
A push through R1 that fails on the close.
Practical tips
- Crypto trades 24/7, so pick one session boundary and stick to it. UTC is the standard for exchange daily candles.
- Weekly and monthly pivots carry more weight than daily ones — note where they line up.
- Pivots are reference levels, not signals. Combine them with structure, volume or open interest.
All pivot and CPR levels are free in CryptoScanX. See the pivot & CPR scanner.
Frequently asked questions
What is a narrow CPR?
A Central Pivot Range whose width is small relative to price — for crypto, roughly under 0.25%. It suggests the previous session was balanced, and often precedes a trending session.
Does CPR work for crypto?
Yes. The maths is identical. The main difference is that crypto trades around the clock, so you need a fixed session boundary — UTC days are standard.
What is virgin CPR?
A CPR that price did not touch during its own session. Traders treat untouched CPR zones as potential magnets later on.
How do you calculate the CPR value?
Take the previous session’s high, low and close. Pivot = (H + L + C) ÷ 3, BC = (H + L) ÷ 2 and TC = (Pivot − BC) + Pivot. The CPR is the zone between BC and TC.
Crypto futures are leveraged and carry a high risk of loss. This guide is educational and is not investment advice.