The Parabolic SAR (Stop and Reverse) is a technical analysis tool used by forex traders for identifying potential trend reversals and generating buy or sell signals. But with various settings available, which ones are the best for scalping? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Parabolic SAR settings for scalping, exploring different parameters, timeframes, and trading techniques to try to help you optimize your forex scalping strategy. Get ready to fine-tune your trading approach and take your scalping game to the next level with the best Parabolic SAR settings for scalping in forex!
What is the Parabolic Sar?
Developed by J. Welles Wilder, the Parabolic SAR is a technical indicator that can provide insights into potential trend reversals and tries to help identify entry/exit points. It’s a trend-following indicator that is widely used in forex trading to spot potential changes in price direction and to set trailing stops. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Parabolic SAR and how it can be used in forex trading to try to help you make better trading decisions and potentially improve your overall trading performance.
What is the Scalping?
Scalping is a trading approach in the forex market that involves taking advantage of small price movements and aiming to make quick potential trades by entering and exiting trades within minutes or even seconds. It’s a high-intensity trading style that requires sharp reflexes, quick decision-making, and precise execution. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of scalping in forex, including its benefits, risks, key principles, and practical tips to help you get started with this exciting trading approach. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced trader seeking to fine-tune your scalping strategy, join us on this fast-paced journey to uncover the world of forex scalping!
Best Parabolic Sar Settings For Scalping Strategy
Here’s a strategy that utilizes the Parabolic SAR with optimized settings for forex scalping:
Strategy: Parabolic SAR Scalping
Indicators:
- Parabolic SAR (default settings): The Parabolic SAR indicator consists of dots that are plotted above or below the price bars, indicating potential trend reversals. When the dots are below the price bars, it suggests an uptrend, and when the dots are above the price bars, it suggests a downtrend.
Timeframe: 1-minute or 5-minute chart
Trading Rules:
- Identify the trend: Use the Parabolic SAR to determine the direction of the current trend. Look for a series of dots below the price bars for an uptrend or above the price bars for a downtrend.
Entry Signal:
- Wait for a pullback or a brief consolidation within the trend.
Buy Entry:
- When the dots of the Parabolic SAR flip from above to below the price bars, indicating a potential trend reversal, and the price breaks above the consolidation or pullback level, enter a buy trade.
Sell Entry:
- When the dots of the Parabolic SAR flip from below to above the price bars, indicating a potential trend reversal, and the price breaks below the consolidation or pullback level, enter a sell trade.
Buy Signal

Here’s a buy signal using the Parabolic SAR with optimized settings for forex scalping, outlined in bullet points with details:
Identify an uptrend using the Parabolic SAR
- Look for a series of dots of the Parabolic SAR indicator plotted below the price bars, indicating an uptrend.
Wait for a pullback or consolidation
- Be patient and wait for a pullback or a brief consolidation within the uptrend, which could be a retracement or a sideways movement.
Look for a potential trend reversal
- Watch for the Parabolic SAR dots to flip from above to below the price bars, indicating a potential trend reversal.
Enter a buy trade
- When the Parabolic SAR dots flip, and the price breaks above the consolidation or pullback level, enter a buy trade.
Sell Signal

Here’s a sell signal using the Parabolic SAR with optimized settings for forex scalping, outlined in bullet points with details:
Identify a downtrend using the Parabolic SAR
- Look for a series of dots of the Parabolic SAR indicator plotted above the price bars, indicating a downtrend.
Wait for a pullback or consolidation
- Be patient and wait for a pullback or a brief consolidation within the downtrend, which could be a retracement or a sideways movement.
Look for a potential trend reversal
- Watch for the Parabolic SAR dots to flip from below to above the price bars, indicating a potential trend reversal.
Enter a sell trade
- When the Parabolic SAR dots flip, and the price breaks below the consolidation or pullback level, enter a sell trade.
Best Parabolic Sar Settings For Scalping Pros & Cons
Pros
Simple to understand
The Parabolic SAR is a relatively simple indicator to understand, making it accessible for traders with varying levels of experience.
Provides clear trend signals
The Parabolic SAR generates clear buy and sell signals by plotting dots above or below the price bars, indicating potential trend reversals.
Suitable for short-term trading
The Parabolic SAR can be effective for short-term trading, such as scalping, as it tries to helps traders identify potential quick entry and exit points.
Cons
Whipsaw signals
The Parabolic SAR can generate false signals during ranging or choppy market conditions, resulting in whipsaw trades that can lead to losses.
Lagging indicator
The Parabolic SAR is a lagging indicator, meaning that it may not provide signals in real-time, and traders may miss some price moves or enter late into a trend.
Not suitable for all market conditions
The Parabolic SAR may not perform well in all market conditions, particularly in markets with low volatility or during periods of extended consolidation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Parabolic SAR with optimized settings can be a useful tool for forex scalping strategies, providing clear trend signals and dynamic stop loss placement. It’s a simple indicator that can be easily understood by traders with varying levels of experience.
However, like any trading strategy, there are pros and cons to consider. The Parabolic SAR may generate false signals during ranging or choppy market conditions, and it is a lagging indicator that may not provide real-time signals. It may also have limited potential of gain as it is typically used for short-term trading.

Self-confessed Forex Geek spending my days researching and testing everything forex related. I have many years of experience in the forex industry having reviewed thousands of forex robots, brokers, strategies, courses and more. I share my knowledge with you for free to help you learn more about the crazy world of forex trading! Read more about me.