TPO POC, VAH, VAL, and marker levels may differ from those on other chart types because TPO charts use a different calculation method.
The main reason is that TPO profiles are based on time, while standard profiles or cluster-based charts are usually based on volume. Because they measure different market activity, their POC, VAH, VAL, and marker levels will not always match.
In addition, settings such as tick size and Value Area percentage can also affect the result.
Why this happens
A TPO profile is based on time at price.
TPO stands for Time, Price, Opportunity. In a TPO profile, each letter represents a time period, typically 30 minutes. As a result, the profile reflects how much time the market spent at each price level.
A standard profile or embedded cluster chart is usually based on volume at price.
This means that even when both charts are applied to the same market and session, their POC, VAH, VAL, and marker levels can still be different because one is calculated from time distribution and the other from volume distribution.
Settings that affect TPO POC, VAH, VAL, and markers
Even within the same chart type, levels may differ if the settings are not the same.
Tick size
Tick size has a direct impact on profile calculation. If two charts use different tick sizes, their profile structure will be different, which can lead to different POC, VAH, VAL, and marker levels.
In some cases, the Value Area settings window does not display a separate field for tick size. This means the Value Area uses the tick size currently selected for the chart.
You can change the chart tick size in the function row at the top of the screen. Once changed, the Value Area calculation will use that updated tick size as well.
For a daily TPO chart, a tick size of 50 is commonly used.
Value Area percentage
The VA% setting also changes the Value Area boundaries.
If one chart uses a different VA% value than another, the VAH and VAL levels will not match.
A commonly used setting is 68%, as it approximately corresponds to one standard deviation around the POC. You can adjust this value directly in the VA% field according to your preference.
What to check if the levels do not match
If your TPO POC, VAH, VAL, or markers are different from another chart, check the following:
whether the chart is TPO-based or volume-based
the tick size used in the chart
the VA% setting
Even if the instrument and session are the same, the levels may still differ if the chart logic or settings are different.
How to compare the difference
One practical way to understand the difference is to overlay a TPO profile with a volume profile.
This allows you to compare time-based and volume-based Value Areas on the same chart and see how their POC, VAH, VAL, and markers differ. This can be especially useful when analyzing market structure and changes in participation.
Summary
TPO POC, VAH, VAL, and markers are different because TPO charts are based on time, while standard profiles are usually based on volume. Tick size and VA% settings can also change the result.
To reduce discrepancies, make sure the relevant settings match. However, even with the same settings, TPO and volume-based charts can still produce different levels because they are built on different calculation concepts.