Chapter 2 | 3 min read
Gann Angles Explained
Introduction
Gann angles are one of the most famous tools in technical analysis. Gann called them the basis of his forecasting method. A Gann angle is a diagonal line drawn from an important top or bottom at a fixed rate of price per unit of time. Together, these lines are often called the Gann fan.
The Idea Behind Gann Angles
Every angle shows a speed of price movement. If a stock rises one unit of price for every one unit of time, it is moving at a balanced 45-degree angle. If it rises faster, the trend is stronger; if slower, the trend is weaker.
The Main Gann Angles
| Gann Angle | Price per Time | Degrees |
| 8x1 | 8 units price per 1 unit time | 82.5 |
| 4x1 | 4 units price per 1 unit time | 75 |
| 3x1 | 3 units price per 1 unit time | 71.25 |
| 2x1 | 2 units price per 1 unit time | 63.75 |
| 1x1 | 1 unit price per 1 unit time | 45 |
| 1x2 | 1 unit price per 2 units time | 26.25 |
| 1x3 | 1 unit price per 3 units time | 18.75 |
| 1x4 | 1 unit price per 4 units time | 15 |
| 1x8 | 1 unit price per 8 units time | 7.5 |
How to Read Gann Angles
- Angles above the 1x1 (2x1, 4x1, 8x1) are steep. Prices staying above them show a very strong trend.
- Angles below the 1x1 (1x2, 1x4, 1x8) are flatter. Prices falling to them show a weakening trend.
- Angles act as support in an uptrend and resistance in a downtrend.
Example with an Indian Stock (Illustrative)
Reliance makes a major bottom at Rs 1,200. You set a scale of Rs 2 per trading day. After 30 trading days:
- 1x1 angle = 1,200 + (2 x 30) = Rs 1,260
- 2x1 angle = 1,200 + (4 x 30) = Rs 1,320
- 1x2 angle = 1,200 + (1 x 30) = Rs 1,230
- 1x4 angle = 1,200 + (0.5 x 30) = Rs 1,215
If Reliance is trading at Rs 1,290 on day 30, it is above the 1x1 angle, showing a strong position. If it falls below Rs 1,260, the 1x1 is broken and the next support is the 1x2 angle near Rs 1,230.
Why Scale Matters
Gann angles only work correctly when the chart has a fixed price-per-time scale. Many modern charts change the scale when you zoom in or out, which changes how angles look. That is why Gann traders calculate angle values with numbers, not just by drawing lines.
Use Angles with GoPocket
Pick a major low on the daily chart of a stock on the GoPocket app. Choose a scale, then calculate the 1x1, 2x1 and 1x2 angle values for today in a notebook or spreadsheet. Watch how the price behaves near these values over the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gann fan?
It is the set of all Gann angles drawn from one important top or bottom.
Which angle is the most important?
The 1x1 or 45-degree angle, covered in the next lesson.
Key Takeaways
- Gann angles measure the speed of price against time.
- 1x1 (45 degrees) is the balance point.
- A fixed chart scale is essential.
Disclaimer: Illustrative calculations only, not recommendations.
