Skip to main content
Chart Master

Chart Master is an educational site. This is not investment advice.

DisclaimerGlossaryAboutSettings

© 2026 Chart Master

HomePatternsQuizSimulator
Back

Cup and Handle

Cup and Handle / カップ・アンド・ハンドル

IntermediateContinuation PatternsBullish (Up)Reliability 78%

Pattern Formation

69 / 69 candles
1,1261,0861,0471,00796892801/0101/0901/1701/2502/0202/1002/1802/2603/05
Speed

Statistics

Target Hit Rate
68%
Average Move
25%
Failure Rate
9%
Avg Formation Days
90 days
Volume Confirmation Boost
+18%

Reference values based on Bulkowski's "Encyclopedia of Chart Patterns". Data is primarily from U.S. markets and may differ for other markets.

A bullish continuation pattern consisting of a rounded bottom resembling a teacup (cup) followed by a small downward drift (handle). Popularized by William O'Neil, this pattern frequently appears before significant rallies in growth stocks. Ideally, the cup depth represents a 12-35% correction from the prior high.

Formation Conditions

  • A clear uptrend must precede the pattern
  • The cup must form a U-shape (rounded bottom); V-shapes are not ideal
  • The left and right rims of the cup should be at approximately the same level
  • The handle must form in the upper half of the cup
  • The handle's correction should be less than one-third of the cup's depth
  • Volume should decrease during the handle and increase at breakout

Entry Condition

Enter long when price breaks above the handle's resistance (near the cup rim) on a closing basis. Confirm that volume at breakout is at least 1.5 times the average.

Target Calculation

Project the cup's depth (from the rim to the bottom) upward from the breakout point. For example: if the rim is at 1100 and the bottom is at 950, add 150 for a target of 1250.

Stop Loss Rule

Place a stop-loss slightly below the handle's bottom. Alternatively, set it 5-8% below the breakout point.

Volume Profile

Volume decreases along the left side of the cup and reaches its lowest at the bottom. It gradually increases along the right side, decreases again during the handle, and surges at breakout. This is the ideal volume pattern.

False Signal Detection

  • V-shaped cups have lower reliability (U-shape is ideal)
  • If the handle corrects into the lower half of the cup, the pattern may be failing
  • Breakouts without volume may be false signals
  • Very short cup formation periods (a few days) have low reliability
  • The pattern is less effective in a broadly bearish market environment

Related Indicators

Volume50-day moving average200-day moving averageRelative Strength

Related Patterns

Ascending TriangleDescending TriangleSymmetrical TriangleFlag

Learn More

View in Cheatsheet →View Glossary →