The Square of 9 and the 4-Hour Timeframe: The Underground Playbook for Precision Trading

Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It)
If you’ve ever felt like Forex trading is a cosmic joke played at your expense, you’re not alone. One moment, you’re convinced you’ve cracked the code; the next, the market humbles you faster than an unexpected tax bill.
But what if I told you there’s an ancient mathematical approach—used by Wall Street pros and hedge funds—that can help predict price movements with uncanny accuracy? Enter the Square of 9, an often-overlooked time and price forecasting tool, paired with the 4-hour timeframe, the sweet spot for catching institutional moves while maintaining your sanity.
This isn’t just another generic trading strategy. We’re diving deep into hidden market geometry, forgotten trading wisdom, and expert-level insights that separate the winning traders from the forever-breakeven crowd.
The Square of 9: Gann’s Hidden Roadmap to the Markets
What is the Square of 9?
Developed by the legendary trader W.D. Gann, the Square of 9 is a numerical calculator that traders use to forecast price levels, pivot points, and time cycles with precision. Think of it as the financial world’s version of Indiana Jones’ secret map—except instead of finding lost treasures, you’re uncovering price levels that big institutions secretly respect.
How Does It Work?
The Square of 9 is based on a spiraling numerical sequence that reveals key support and resistance levels based on price rotation. Here’s the simple version:
- Take a significant price level (e.g., the recent swing high or low).
- Apply the Square of 9 formula to determine probable reversal points.
- Align these levels with time cycles to predict high-probability trade setups.
But here’s the twist: Most traders apply this on daily or weekly charts. However, when you integrate it with the 4-hour timeframe, you gain access to hidden institutional moves—where banks and hedge funds play their game.
The 4-Hour Timeframe: The Institutional Sweet Spot
Why the 4-Hour Chart?
Most traders focus on the daily chart (too slow) or the 1-hour chart (too noisy). But professional traders know that the 4-hour timeframe offers the best of both worlds. It aligns perfectly with major trading sessions (London, New York, Asia), capturing institutional moves before they fully unfold.
- More Reliable Signals: Filters out intraday noise while giving enough data to make solid decisions.
- Perfect for Swing Trading: Helps catch larger moves without requiring constant screen time.
- Institutional Flow: Big money uses 4-hour price action to determine their next moves.
How to Combine the Square of 9 with the 4-Hour Chart
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to weaponize this strategy:
- Identify Key Price Levels Using Square of 9:
- Find the most recent swing high or swing low.
- Calculate price projections using the Square of 9 method.
- Overlay These Levels on the 4-Hour Chart:
- Mark potential reversal zones.
- Confirm with price action (e.g., pin bars, engulfing candles).
- Time Your Entries Like a Pro:
- Enter when price approaches Square of 9 levels with a strong rejection candle.
- Use the Fib retracement tool to find confluence.
- Set Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Smartly:
- Stop-loss goes below/above recent structure.
- Target at least 2x your risk, using Square of 9 projections as take-profit zones.
- Ride the Institutional Wave:
- Pay attention to New York & London overlaps—this is when major price moves happen.
- Stay patient and let the market come to you.
The Hidden Formula Only Experts Use
Example Calculation (for the math geeks out there)
Let’s say EUR/USD made a swing low at 1.0800. Using the Square of 9, we find probable resistance:
- Take the square root of 1.0800: √1.0800 ≈ 1.039
- Add 0.25 (one quadrant move): 1.039 + 0.25 = 1.289
- Square the result: 1.289² ≈ 1.662
- Convert back to price: 1.1662
So, 1.1662 is a potential resistance level. If price reacts strongly on the 4-hour chart at this level, you’ve just unlocked a high-probability trade setup.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Trade Like a Pro?
Most traders follow lagging indicators and chase the market. But the Square of 9 gives you an insider’s edge, forecasting where price will turn before it happens. When combined with the 4-hour timeframe, you’re stepping into the world of institutional trading with surgical precision.
Want to take this strategy to the next level? Here’s how we can help:
- Stay ahead of economic shifts: Latest Forex News & Indicators
- Master elite trading skills: Free Forex Courses
- Join our insider community: StarseedFX Membership
- Optimize risk & tracking: Smart Trading Tools
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Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated
PLEASE NOTE: This is not trading advice. It is educational content. Markets are influenced by numerous factors, and their reactions can vary each time.

Anne Durrell & Mo
About the Author
Anne Durrell (aka Anne Abouzeid), a former teacher, has a unique talent for transforming complex Forex concepts into something easy, accessible, and even fun. With a blend of humor and in-depth market insight, Anne makes learning about Forex both enlightening and entertaining. She began her trading journey alongside her husband, Mohamed Abouzeid, and they have now been trading full-time for over 12 years.
Anne loves writing and sharing her expertise. For those new to trading, she provides a variety of free forex courses on StarseedFX. If you enjoy the content and want to support her work, consider joining The StarseedFX Community, where you will get daily market insights and trading alerts.
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