Elliott Wave patterns explained: Zigzag, flat and triangle

The Elliott Wave Theory is a powerful technical analysis tool used to predict market trends based on crowd psychology. It shows how prices move in repeating patterns driven by investor sentiment shifts between optimism and pessimism.

Understanding these patterns allows traders to:

• Identify market structure.
• Anticipate future price movements.
• Improve entry and exit timing.

Core concept of Elliott Wave theory

Market movement follows two key phases:

• Impulse Waves (5 waves) – Move in trend direction.
• Corrective Waves (3 waves) – Move against the trend.

These are labeled as:

• Impulse: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Corrective: A, B, C

1. Zigzag pattern (5-3-5 Structure)

What is a Zigzag?

A Zigzag is a sharp corrective pattern with a 5-3-5 structure:

• Wave A – 5 waves.
• Wave B – 3 waves.
• Wave C – 5 waves.

Key characteristics

          Strong correction against the trend

          Wave B is typically shorter

          Wave C often equals or extends beyond Wave A

Types of zigzag

• Normal: C = 61.8%–161.8% of A.
• Truncated: C < 61.8% of A.
• Elongated: C > 161.8% of A.

Trading insight

Zigzags often signal continuation after correction, making them useful for identifying re-entry points.

2. Flat pattern (3-3-5 Structure)

What is a Flat?

A Flat correction is a sideways pattern with a 3-3-5 structure:

• Wave A – 3 waves
• Wave B – 3 waves
• Wave C – 5 waves

Key characteristics

• Moves sideways rather than sharply.
• Wave B often retraces near or beyond A.
• Wave C ends near or slightly beyond A.

Types of flats

• Regular Flat – Balanced structure.
• Expanded Flat – B breaks A start, C extends strongly.
• Running Flat – C fails to reach A end.

Trading insight

Flats indicate market consolidation, often before trend continuation.

3. Triangle pattern (3-3-3-3-3 structure)

What is a triangle?

A Triangle is a consolidation pattern made of 5 waves (A-B-C-D-E), each with 3 sub-waves.

Key Characteristics

• Sideways price movement.
• Decreasing volatility.
• Occurs before final trend move.

Types of triangles

• Ascending
• Descending
• Contracting
• Expanding

Learn more about Elliott Wave triangle structures in our detailed guide

Trading insight

Triangles usually appear before the final breakout, especially in wave 4.

Why Elliott Wave patterns matter

Using Elliott Wave patterns helps traders:

• Predict high-probability moves.
• Identify trend continuation vs reversal.
• Reduce trading risk.

It provides a structured way to understand market psychology and timing.

Conclusion

Mastering Zigzag, Flat, and Triangle patterns gives traders a major edge in analyzing markets. While no method is perfect, Elliott Wave Theory helps you:

• Stay ahead of market movements.
• Make informed trading decisions.
• Improve consistency.