# Triple Top and Triple Bottom > Triple tops and bottoms are reversal patterns with three failed tests of one level. Learn how they form, how to confirm the breakout and how they differ from ranges. Source: https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/triple-top-and-triple-bottom/ Track: Chart Patterns · Level: Intermediate · Updated: 2026-10-03 Publisher: TradeLabs AI (https://tradelabsai.com). Education, not financial advice. Cite as: TradeLabs Learn, "Triple Top and Triple Bottom", https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/triple-top-and-triple-bottom/ A triple top is a bearish reversal pattern where price tests a resistance level three times and fails each time, then breaks below the support level formed by the pullbacks between the peaks. A triple bottom is the bullish version: three tests of support that hold, followed by a break above resistance. They are less common than double tops and bottoms and are often treated as stronger, because the level was defended one more time. ## Anatomy *Figure: Three failures at resistance, then a break of the support formed by the pullbacks.* | Part | Triple top | Triple bottom | |---|---|---| | Prior trend | Up | Down | | Tests | Three highs at a similar level | Three lows at a similar level | | Between tests | Two pullback lows forming support | Two bounce highs forming resistance | | Confirmation | Close below support | Close above resistance | ## Triple top or range? Visually, a triple top before it breaks is just a range with a clear ceiling. The only thing that makes it a reversal pattern is the eventual break of support. Until then, price could just as easily break out above the triple high, which would be a strong bullish signal since three rounds of selling were absorbed. This is why confirmation is essential. See [Range Structure and Consolidation](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/price-action/consolidation/). ## Reading the tests Clues that a triple top is more likely to resolve downward: - Each rally to resistance shows weaker momentum or lower volume. - Pullback lows hold at the same level or get lower, and price fails faster at each test. (Rising pullback lows that compress price against resistance are the opposite signal: an ascending triangle, which usually breaks upward.) - Rejection candles such as shooting stars at each test. **Example: A triple bottom breakout** A stock falls to $27.10 in March, $27.30 in April and $27.05 in May, each time bouncing to around $31. In June it closes above $31.20 on twice average volume. The triple bottom is confirmed. The pattern's height is about $4.10, giving a measured target near $35.30. The trader buys on a pullback to $31.30 with a stop at $29.90. ## Trading the pattern 1. **Confirm the prior trend** and the three tests on a meaningful timeframe. 2. **Wait for the break** of the line formed by the intermediate pullbacks. 3. **Enter** on the close beyond it or on a retest. See [Role Reversal and Retests](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/price-action/role-reversal-and-retests/). 4. **Stop** beyond the most recent test or the retest. 5. **Target** the pattern height projected from the breakout level. ## Relationship to other patterns - With only two tests, it is a [Double Top and Double Bottom](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/double-top-and-double-bottom/). - If the middle peak is higher than the other two, it is a [Head and Shoulders](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/head-and-shoulders/). - If pullback lows rise while highs stay flat, it becomes an [Ascending Triangle](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/ascending-triangle/), which usually breaks upward. - If highs fall while lows stay flat, it becomes a [Descending Triangle](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/descending-triangle/). ## Timeframe and time between tests Triple tops and bottoms are most meaningful on daily and weekly charts, with weeks between each test. Three touches of a level within a few candles on a 5 minute chart are just a small range and carry little weight. The longer the pattern takes to form, the more traders have positions tied to the level, and the bigger the move tends to be when it finally breaks. ## Common mistakes - **Trading the third test as a guaranteed reversal.** Levels tested repeatedly often eventually break. - **Ignoring rising lows,** which signal the opposite outcome. - **Not waiting for the confirmation break.** ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a triple top? A bearish pattern where price fails three times at the same resistance level and then breaks below the support formed between the peaks. ### Is a triple top stronger than a double top? Often considered so, because resistance held one more time, but it still needs confirmation by a break of support. ### What happens if price breaks above a triple top? The pattern fails, and the breakout above a level that rejected price three times is often a strong bullish signal. Next, learn a slower, curved reversal: the [Rounding Bottom](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/rounding-bottom/). ## Continue learning - Next lesson: [Rounding Bottom](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/rounding-bottom/) - Previous lesson: [Double Top and Double Bottom](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/double-top-and-double-bottom/) - Related: [Double Top and Double Bottom](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/double-top-and-double-bottom/): Double tops and bottoms are reversal patterns where price fails twice at the same level. Learn how to confirm them, measure targets and avoid common traps. - Related: [Head and Shoulders](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/chart-patterns/head-and-shoulders/): The head and shoulders is a reversal pattern of three peaks with a higher middle peak. Learn the neckline, confirmation, measured targets and the inverse version. - Related: [Range Structure and Consolidation](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/price-action/consolidation/): Consolidation is when price moves sideways between support and resistance. Learn to identify ranges, trade them, spot breakouts and avoid range traps. - Related: [Support and Resistance](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/price-action/support-and-resistance/): Support is where buying tends to stop a fall; resistance is where selling tends to stop a rise. Learn to draw levels, judge their strength and trade them well. - Related: [Breakouts](https://learn.tradelabsai.com/price-action/breakouts/): A breakout is when price moves decisively beyond support, resistance or a pattern. Learn signs of a real breakout, entry methods, stops and how to avoid fakeouts.