Scalping (สกัลป์ปิ้ง / ເທຣດສັ້ນໆ)

Scalping is a trading style where a trader holds each position for a very short time, often from a few seconds to a few minutes. The goal is to collect many small price moves instead of waiting for one big move. A person who does this is called a scalper.

Scalpers usually look at very short charts, such as the 1-minute or 5-minute chart. They often set a tight Stop Loss and a small profit target.

Simple example

Suppose a trader buys EURUSD with 1 standard Lot. On this pair, 1 Pip is about $10 per standard Lot. The trader aims for 5 Pips of profit and sets a Stop Loss 5 Pips away.

• If the target is hit: about +5 × $10 = +$50
• If the Stop Loss is hit: about −5 × $10 = −$50

Before costs, that is a 1:1 risk-to-reward ratio. Costs are not included here.

Why it matters

Because the targets are so small, trading costs matter a lot. If the Spread is 1 Pip, then 1 Pip of a 5-Pip target is already used up the moment the trade opens. Commissions and slippage add to this.

Scalping also needs fast decisions and constant attention, which can be tiring and stressful.

Common beginner mistakes: trading too often without a clear plan, using a Lot size that is too large, and ignoring costs. Small losses can add up quickly when there are many trades. Practise on a demo account first to learn how it feels.