Value Area High
The Value Area High (VAH) is the upper boundary of the session's value area: the highest price still within the 70% volume distribution. It acts as a key resistance level and a decision point for the following session.
The Value Area High (VAH) is the upper edge of the Value Area: the highest price at which the session remained within its 70% volume distribution. Prices above the VAH represent the top 15% of activity, where sellers pushed back and the market traded less frequently.
VAH as a reference level
The VAH from the prior session is one of the most watched reference levels in Volume Profile and Market Profile trading. It marks the upper boundary of established fair value.
Price approaching VAH from below: the market is moving toward the top of yesterday’s value. If buyers cannot push through the VAH, sellers who were active there previously may defend it again. Potential resistance.
Price breaking above VAH with acceptance: buyers are willing to pay more than yesterday’s fair value. The market is migrating upward. This is a bullish structural shift and often a continuation trade.
Price opening above VAH: the overnight session has carried price above value. The question is whether RTH will accept the higher price (hold above VAH) or reject it (fall back into the value area).
VAH in relation to VAL and POC
The VAH, VAL, and POC together form the three key volume-based reference levels for any session:
| Level | Location | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VAH | Top of value area | Upper fair value boundary |
| POC | Middle of value area (highest volume) | Most accepted price |
| VAL | Bottom of value area | Lower fair value boundary |
VAH and rule of thumb
A commonly used heuristic: if price opens below the VAH and the first move tests it from below, there is roughly a 70–80% probability of at least partial value area acceptance (price entering the value area). This is the “80% rule” applied at the VAH.