Volume Profile & Value Area: POC, VAH & VAL Explained

1. Volume Profile vs. Traditional Time Charts

While traditional volume bars plot the amount of volume traded over a specific time interval (horizontal x-axis), Volume Profile plots total volume traded at specific price levels (vertical y-axis), revealing where market participants found fair value.

2. Core Volume Profile Structures

• Point of Control (POC): The exact single price level with the highest traded volume during the session. Acts as a powerful magnet and institutional benchmark.
• Value Area (VA): The price range encompassing 70% of the total volume traded during the session.
• Value Area High (VAH) & Value Area Low (VAL): The upper and lower boundaries of the value area, serving as dynamic institutional support and resistance.
• High Volume Nodes (HVN): Price zones representing fair value acceptance and consolidation.
• Low Volume Nodes (LVN): Price zones representing unfair value, where prices move rapidly through thin liquidity.