Equality of Waves

2026.05.09

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Wave Equality is one of the motive-wave guidelines in Elliott Wave Theory. It refers to the tendency that, when one of the three action waves of an impulse (waves 1, 3, and 5) extends, the remaining two tend to be similar in terms of rate of change and time length.

Overview

Wave equality is one of the guidelines that characterize the impulse.

Among the three action waves of an impulse (waves 1, 3, and 5), when one extends, the remaining two tend to become similar in rate of change and time length. This is especially apparent in cases where wave 3 extends — wave 1 and wave 5 then tend to be roughly the same size.

This guideline is observed in terms of both “rate of change” and “time length.” When the remaining two waves are not perfectly equal, there is also a tendency for one to be 0.618× or 1.618× the other — a Fibonacci ratio relationship.

Illustrated Chart

Wave 1 ≈ Wave 5 Equality — Click to expand
≒ Wave 1 rise ≈ Wave 5 rise S 1 2 3 4 5 Wave 3 extends → Waves 1 and 5 are nearly equal in size
A typical example of an impulse with an extended wave 3. The remaining two action waves that did not extend (waves 1 and 5) are similar in size in terms of both rate of change and time length.
How to read the diagram: Note that the highlighted (red) wave 1 and wave 5 are roughly equal in size.

Detailed Points

  1. If wave 3 extends, wave 5 ≈ wave 1 (in rate of change and time)

    When wave 3 extends among the three action waves of an impulse, the remaining wave 1 and wave 5 tend to be similar in both rate of change and time length.

  2. If not equal, one tends to be 0.618× or 1.618× the other

    When perfect equality does not hold, the relationship may appear as a Fibonacci ratio (0.618× or 1.618×).

  3. Count verification: equality is satisfied if waves ① and ⑤ are roughly the same size

    As an indicator when verifying the validity of a count, check whether waves ① and ⑤ are roughly the same size.

Wave Extension
The tendency for one of waves 1, 3, or 5 of an impulse to become larger than the others.
Failure (Truncation)
The phenomenon in an impulse where the end of wave 5 fails to exceed the end of wave 3. Also called truncation.
Ratio Relationships (Fibonacci)
The tendency for subwaves within the same wave to be in Fibonacci ratio relationships. A guideline still under study.

Summary

Wave equality is a guideline stating that, when one of the three action waves of an impulse (waves 1, 3, and 5) extends, the remaining two tend to be similar in rate of change and time length.

In cases where wave 3 extends, waves 1 and 5 tend to be roughly equal in size. When equality is not perfect, the relationship appears as the Fibonacci ratio of 0.618× or 1.618×. In count verification, if waves ① and ⑤ are roughly the same size, you can judge that wave equality is satisfied.

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