How to Use Gann Time Cycles in Trading: The 144-225 Strategy

Time and Price – The Gann Way

While most traders concentrate solely on price, W.D. Gann emphasized that “time is the most important factor in determining market movements.” His insights demonstrated that markets move in harmonic cycles, not only in terms of time (days, weeks, minutes) but also in price increments.

Among Gann’s most effective tools are the 144-time bar cycle and the 225-price point projection. When these two elements coincide known as time and price squaring, the market is more likely to undergo a significant turning point.

This guide will provide a step-by-step breakdown of this time-price cycle method and illustrate how to use Gann time cycles to predict market reversals. A video example will also be included at the end of this article for those who prefer visual learning.

The Core Strategy: 144- Gann Time Cycles and 225-Price Projection

Gann observed that markets often react at multiples of 144, making it a cornerstone of time-based analysis. Meanwhile, 225 is a critical price projection level that estimates how far price might travel before hitting a potential reversal zone.

Together, they create a powerful forecasting model:

• 144 in Time: Indicates when the market might reverse

• 225 in Price: Indicates where the market might reverse

When time and price align, you get what’s called a “confluence zone”, a powerful point in the market with a high probability of reversal.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply the Gann 144/225 Method in Trading

1. Identify a Major Swing High or Low

Start by finding a significant pivot point where the market made a strong high or low. Use historical price action to confirm that the level has served as support or resistance multiple times.

2. Project Forward 144 Bars in Time

From your chosen high/low, count 144 candles forward (bars), this can be on any timeframe (minutes, hours, daily), depending on your strategy.

For intraday trades, use 144-minute, 144-5min bars, or 144-15min bars. For positional or swing trades, count 144 daily bars.

This gives you a time window to watch for a potential reversal.

3. Project 225 Points in Price

From the same swing high or low, measure 225 price points up or down, depending on the trend.

If price starts moving upward from a low, project +225 points as a potential resistance/reversal zone.If price is falling from a high, project -225 points for support.

This gives you a price target zone.

4. Look for Confluence

When the 144-time cycle (the “when”) and the 225-price zone (the “where”) align—this is your confluence zone. It’s a powerful area where the market has a high probability of reacting.

If the price reaches the 225 level at or near the 144th bar, it's a strong signal of a potential reversal.

Refining the Strategy with Fibonacci Retracement

To further confirm your setup, integrate Fibonacci retracement levels from the same swing high/low.

Key levels to watch:

• 38.2%

• 50%

• 61.8%

If a Fibonacci level overlaps with your 225-price projection and aligns near the 144th bar, that triple confluence significantly increases the trade's probability.

Confirm with Price Action & Volume

Before entering the trade:

• Look for candlestick confirmation: reversal patterns like pin bars, engulfing candles, or inside bars

• Watch for trendline breaks

• Confirm with volume spikes: if a breakout happens with strong volume, it signals commitment from market participants

  
  

Trade Management: Entry, Stop Loss & Take Profit

• Entry: When price reacts near the 144th bar and is within the 225-point price zone

• Stop Loss: Just below the recent swing low (for a long trade) or above the swing high (for a short trade)

• Take Profit: Target the next Gann time level 288 or 432 bars, or the next key support/resistance zone

Advanced Layer: Additional Time Cycles

For added confirmation, monitor:

• 144, 288, and 432 bars from the swing

• If price reacts near these additional time intervals, it strengthens the setup even more

Example Walkthrough

Conclusion: Time + Price = High Probability Reversals

By combining the 144-time cycle and 225-price projection, traders can create a mathematically structured framework for forecasting market reversals. This method, when confirmed with Fibonacci retracement, candlestick signals, and volume, offers a high-probability edge for both intraday and swing traders.

Ready to Learn More?

If you're interested in learning how to apply Gann’s time cycles, price projections, and astro-trading methods to real market conditions, feel free to reach out.

Contact us via email: gannastrotraderhq@gmail.com

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