Partial Take Profit + Trail Stop Strategy
What Is the Partial Take Profit + Trail Stop Strategy?
The Partial Take Profit + Trail Stop Strategy blends the best of both worlds — you secure a portion of your profits early, while still giving the trade room to run by trailing the stop loss behind market structure. This approach balances safety and potential, offering low risk and high adaptability in changing market conditions.
Rather than exiting fully at a single take profit, you exit partially, protect the trade, and let the rest breathe.
Tools and Conditions to Use
This strategy works across various setups, but it’s best when:
- Price is trending or volatile with space for expansion
- There’s a clear structure or support/resistance for trailing
- You’ve already got a strong entry signal in place
- You can divide your position easily (e.g. 50/50 or 70/30)
- Works well on 5-minute, 15-minute, 1-hour, or 4-hour charts
You’re not changing the entry — just how you exit.
Why This Strategy Works
Markets don’t always move in straight lines. Sometimes they hit your target and reverse — and other times, they break through and run for much more. This strategy allows you to capitalize on both outcomes. You lock in some profit to reduce exposure, then trail your stop loss using structure to stay in as long as possible.
It’s a perfect mix of discipline and flexibility — and ideal for traders who don’t want to guess whether to exit too early or too late.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Partial Take Profit + Trail Stop Strategy
Step 1: Enter the Trade as Usual
Start with a solid setup.
- Use your regular entry method (breakout, rejection, retest, etc.)
- Enter with full size and plan your stop and initial TP zone
- Structure still drives the trade — this strategy only changes how you exit
You’re now in — with a clear plan to manage both risk and reward.
Step 2: Set Your Partial Take Profit Zone
This is your safety net.
- Choose a conservative level for partial profit — usually 1:1 or a nearby swing point
- This helps lock in gains if the market doesn’t follow through
- Exit 50% to 70% of your position at this level
Partial exits create breathing room — emotionally and financially.
Step 3: Adjust Your Stop to Breakeven
Now protect your trade.
- Once price hits your partial TP, move your stop to breakeven
- This means if price reverses, you’ll exit with no loss on the rest
- You’ve now eliminated risk while still participating in the market
Your downside is capped — your upside remains open.
Step 4: Trail the Remaining Position With Structure
Let the trade run intelligently.
- Use recent swing highs or lows as your trailing guide
- Move your stop up (for longs) or down (for shorts) only after new structure forms
- Don’t trail too tight — let price breathe between adjustments
This turns your setup into a runner with minimal effort.
Step 7: Take Profit Targets
Your targets will depend on market context, but here are a few common choices:
- The next support or resistance level
- The last swing high or low
- A 1:2 or 1:3 risk-to-reward ratio
You can also scale out partial profits at 1:1 and let the rest run.
Risk Management Tips
- Never move to breakeven too early — let price work
- Use structure, not emotions, to trail the stop
- Avoid trailing in sideways or messy markets
- Always partial out in volatile environments — don’t get greedy
- Stick to your plan, even if it means missing the exact top or bottom
Balance is the heart of this strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking full profits too early and missing larger moves
- Forgetting to trail stop properly and turning a win into a loss
- Trailing stops too close and getting wicked out
- Skipping the partial TP and turning strong trades into breakeven
- Letting fear override your trailing logic
Avoid these to unlock consistent performance.
Quick Reference Table
What Comes Next?
The Partial Take Profit + Trail Stop Strategy helps you trade with flexibility and peace of mind. You reduce risk, lock in gains, and stay in the move longer than most traders ever will.
Next, we’ll look at the Fixed Target + Structure-Based Stop, where the entire trade is planned from entry to exit with zero adjustments once it’s active.