Complete explanation of Volume Profile + How to use futures trading

What is a volume profile?

While a regular volume chart shows volume by hour, the Volume Profile shows volume by price range. In other words, rather than “at what time were most transactions made?”, we identify “at what prices most transactions were made.”

5 core concepts

1. POC (Point of Control, main transaction price)

Single price with the highest trading volume 
= The level at which market participants agree that “this price is fair value”

Use: Acts as a strong support/resistance line 

2. VAH (Value Area High)

The upper price of the zone where approximately 70% of the total volume occurred 
= equilibrium level at high point 

3. VAL (Value Area Low)

The bottom price of the zone where approximately 70% of the total trading volume occurred. 
= equilibrium level at low point 

4. HVN (High Volume Node)

Price zone with concentrated trading volume 
= strong support/resistance zone 
= When the price enters this zone, it slows down and tends to move sideways. 

5. LVN (Low Volume Node)

Price zone with little trading volume 
= Zone through which price passes quickly (vacuum zone) 
= When entering the LVN section, the price quickly moves to the next HVN 

Trading volume profile utilization strategy

Strategy 1: POC support/resistance trading

If your POC is $90,000:

Long near POC: 
- Price is adjusting above POC ($90,000) 
- A buy candle appears when reaching near the POC. 
- Entry: Within ±0.5% of POC 
- Stop Loss: Below VAL 
- Goal: VAH or better

Short near POC: 
- Price is rebounding below POC ($90,000) 
- Short entry after checking POC resistance 

Strategy 2: Predict LVN vacuum zone movement

When an LVN section is found: 
- Very low trading volume between $88,000 and $91,000 (LVN) 
- If the price breaks out of the $88,000 support, it is expected to quickly move to $91,000. 
- Quick entry upon confirmation of LVN entry → Quick profit 

Strategy 3: Trending out of the value zone

Price breaks above VAH + volume increases: 
→ value zone moves upward → new upward trend begins 
→ Long position is attractive

Price breaks below VAL + volume increases: 
→ value zone moves downward → downward trend begins 
→ Attractive short position 

Where can I check it?

• Bybit: Right click on chart → Indicator → Volume Profile Session Volume
• TradingView: Volume Profile (Session/Range/Fixed start date selectable)
• OKX: Basic chart support

Related guides

• Combination of VWAP and volume profile →
• OBV volume balance line →
• Support/Resistance Line →
• Liquidation price calculator →