Comparison
Ascending Triangle vs Descending Triangle
They are mirror images. An ascending triangle has flat resistance and rising lows: buyers are paying more each time while sellers hold one level. A descending triangle has flat support and falling highs: sellers accept less each time while buyers hold one level. The usual expectation is a break through the flat side.
Ascending Triangle
bullish bias
An ascending triangle has a flat upper boundary and a rising lower trendline. Buyers keep stepping in at higher prices while sellers defend the same ceiling, compressing price until one side gives way.
Descending Triangle
bearish bias
A descending triangle has a flat lower boundary and a falling upper trendline. Sellers keep pressing at lower prices while buyers defend the same floor, until the floor gives way or the falling highs are broken.
Side by side
| Aspect | Ascending Triangle | Descending Triangle |
|---|---|---|
| Flat line | Resistance on top | Support underneath |
| Sloping line | Rising lows | Falling highs |
| Usual bias | Bullish | Bearish |
| Target | Widest height of the triangle, projected up from the break | Widest height of the triangle, projected down from the break |
How to tell them apart on a chart
- Find the flat line. On top means ascending; underneath means descending.
- The sloping line tells you which side is gaining ground.
- A false break through the flat side that quickly reverses is a common failure for both.
Ascending Triangle: confirmation and invalidation
Confirms: A close above the flat resistance line. A retest of that line from above that holds is a second confirmation.
Invalidated: A close below the rising trendline breaks the structure of higher lows.
Descending Triangle: confirmation and invalidation
Confirms: A close below the flat support. A failed retest of that level from below is a second confirmation.
Invalidated: A close above the falling trendline breaks the pattern of lower highs.
Frequently asked questions
What about symmetrical triangles?
In a symmetrical triangle both lines slope towards each other, so neither side is clearly gaining. It has no built-in bias and traders wait for the break.
How many touches does a triangle need?
At least two on each line. More touches make the lines clearer but do not guarantee the break.
Full guides
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Educational content only, not financial advice. Chart patterns describe probabilities, not certainties, and every pattern can fail. See our disclaimer.