Average Spread Bar
Volume Spread Analysis glossary · Background, Trend & Context
Definition
A price bar whose range is comparable to the recent mean range. It serves as the baseline for classifying other bars as wide or narrow. Volume on average spread bars helps distinguish between normal market activity and bars where professionals are active.
Average Spread Bar in plain English
An average spread bar is a totally ordinary-sized move — its range is about the same as the recent typical bar. It matters less for what it says on its own and more as your measuring stick: you can't call a bar 'wide' or 'narrow' until you know what 'normal' looks like, and this is normal. Once you have that baseline, you glance at the volume: an average-sized bar riding unusually heavy volume can hint that professionals are working in the background even though the price move looks unremarkable. It's the quiet reference point that lets every other bar stand out.
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