Scalping

What Is Scalping in Trading? Definition, Strategy, and Pros and Cons

Definition:
Scalping is a short-term trading strategy that aims to profit from very small price movements by executing many quick trades within minutes or seconds.

Explanation:
In scalping, traders open and close multiple positions in a single session, targeting just a few pips or ticks each time. The idea is that small but frequent gains can add up to significant profits if executed with discipline.

Scalping requires:

  • High focus and fast decision-making
  • Tight spreads and fast execution (best with ECN/STP brokers)
  • Often uses 1–5 minute charts, sometimes tick charts
  • Reliable internet and trading platforms (e.g., MetaTrader, cTrader)

Because scalpers hold positions for very short periods, they rely on liquidity and volatility, usually trading during active sessions like the London–New York overlap.

📊 Characteristics of Scalping

  • Holding time: Seconds to a few minutes
  • Trade frequency: Dozens or even hundreds of trades per day
  • Targets: 2–10 pips or ticks per trade
  • Tools: Moving Averages, Bollinger Bands, RSI, order flow, DOM
  • Markets: Forex, futures, crypto, and even stocks

⚖️ Pros and Cons of Scalping

Pros Cons
Quick profits, many opportunities Requires intense focus and time
Low exposure to overnight risks High transaction costs (commissions/spread)
Works in volatile markets Emotionally and mentally exhausting
Small losses if disciplined Not ideal for beginners

Example (Forex):
A scalper buys EUR/USD at 1.1000 and sells at 1.1003. Profit = 3 pips. They may repeat this dozens of times during the session.

Related Terms:
Day Trading, Swing Trading, Technical Indicators, ECN Broker, Spread, Slippage

Category:
Trading Strategies / Timeframes

FastPip Tip:

If you want to try scalping, choose a broker with tight spreads, fast execution, and low commissions—otherwise, costs will eat your profits.

📣 Related Resources from FastPip

Want to master scalping with less stress?
✅ Copy professional scalpers via our Copy Trading Platform
✅ Use Forex Signals optimized for short-term entries
✅ Read guides on our Blog about scalping strategies and risk control