What is a wave degree in Elliott Wave?
A wave degree identifies which timeframe a wave belongs to. Standard degrees from largest to smallest: Grand Supercycle, Supercycle, Cycle, Primary, Intermediate, Minor, Minute, Minuette, Subminuette. Each higher-degree wave contains sub-waves of the next degree below.
Full Explanation
Wave degree is how Elliott Wave Theory maps the same fractal pattern across multiple timeframes simultaneously. A Primary degree wave on the weekly chart contains five Intermediate degree sub-waves on the daily chart, each of which contains five Minor degree sub-waves on the 60-minute chart, and so on down to Subminuette on the tick chart. Analysts use different label styles to distinguish degrees: Roman numerals (I, II, III), regular numbers in parentheses ((1), (2), (3)), and simple numbers (1, 2, 3) typically denote three consecutive degrees. Keeping degrees consistent is critical — labeling a Minor degree Wave 3 inside what should be an Intermediate degree Wave 1 creates a count that violates the fractal hierarchy. Beginners often mix degrees; experienced analysts assign degrees explicitly before labeling any wave.
- → Elliott Wave Theory Guide — the 5-3 pattern, rules, Fibonacci, wave degrees
- → How to Count Elliott Waves — 6-step process used on 108 instruments
- → Elliott Wave Fibonacci Guide — the 7 core ratios and how they're applied
- → Rules and Guidelines — the 3 absolute rules + 7 guidelines
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Weekly wave counts on 108 US instruments
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