A sideways corrective pattern consisting of A-B-C, subdividing 3-3-5. Wave B retraces most or all of wave A. Three types: regular flat, expanded flat (B beyond A), and running flat (C fails to reach A end).
Description
A flat is a three-wave corrective pattern (A-B-C) in which wave A subdivides into 3 waves, wave B into 3 waves, and wave C into 5 waves (3-3-5 structure). Unlike a zigzag, a flat is a sideways correction — wave B retraces most or all of wave A. The three types differ in how far wave B retraces and where wave C ends.
Key Points
- Structure: A-B-C, subdividing 3-3-5
- Regular flat: wave B retraces ~90% of wave A; wave C ends near wave A start
- Expanded flat (irregular): wave B exceeds wave A start; wave C extends significantly beyond wave A end
- Running flat: wave B exceeds wave A start; wave C fails to reach wave A end (rare; trend continuation signal)
- Most common in wave 4 of an impulse, or wave B of a larger correction
- Wave C target (expanded flat): 1.236× or 1.618× wave A from wave B end
