Relative volume (RVOL)
Relative volume is today's traded volume divided by the stock's own 20-day average volume, so a reading of 2 means twice the stock's normal activity regardless of how large or small that normal is.
`rel_volume` divides the session's volume by that stock's own 20-day average volume. The result is a ratio: 1 means an ordinary day, 2 means twice normal, 0.5 means half. Because each stock is measured against itself, a reading of 3 says the same thing about a smallcap trading 2 lakh shares as it does about a large-cap trading 2 crore.
On end-of-day NSE data, relative volume is mostly used as a confirmation condition. Common floors are 1.5, 2, 3 and 5. A breakout with `rel_volume > 1.5` had participation behind it; one at 0.8 was a drift through the level. It pairs with almost everything: price change, 52-week highs, pivot breaks, delivery. Volume is the one input that cannot be redrawn after the fact.
Raw volume comparisons across stocks are meaningless, which is the problem this field exists to solve. It still inherits its baseline's flaws. After a heavy week the 20-day average is inflated, so a genuinely busy day can print a modest ratio. Around results, ex-dates and index events, elevated relative volume is expected and says little. And high RVOL tells you people acted. It does not tell you why, or on which side.
In Sift
Written as rel_volume — a ratio; 1 is normal, 2 is twice normal. A working scan — Twice normal volume with price up over 3%:
where rel_volume > 2 and change > 31
of the 500 most-traded NSE stocks match today, as of 25 Sept 2026
Scans that use it
Prebuilt scans in the library whose query reads this value — each with a hit-rate replay over the last 250 sessions.
52-week high breakout
A close at the highest level in a year, on volume half again its own 20-day average. The Darvas entry, written out.
Bollinger band breakout
A close above the upper Bollinger band with volume 1.5 times its average.
Keltner channel breakout
Clearing the upper Keltner channel, which is built on ATR and shifts more slowly than a Bollinger band.
Crossing above pivot R1
The close crossing above the first pivot resistance on 1.5 times average volume. Floor traders have watched R1 for decades.
Previous day's high break
Closing above yesterday's high on half again the usual volume. The simplest breakout there is.
Six-month high
The highest close in twenty-six weeks, with volume a fifth above its own average.
Three-year high breakout
The highest close in three years, on volume half again its average. A long base resolving.
Heikin-Ashi turns green
The first green Heikin-Ashi candle after a red one, above the 50-day average and on heavier volume.
Quiet accumulation
Delivery over 60% on ordinary volume, above the 50-day average and up over the month. Accumulation without a headline.
Delivery-backed breakout
A 20-day high where more than 55% of the volume was actually delivered.
Distribution warning
Heavy volume, delivery under 42%, price down more than 1.5%. The shape of an exit.
Churn without conviction
Two and a half times normal volume with under 30% of it delivered.
Volume dry-up near highs
Within 5% of the 52-week high on under 60% of its normal volume. Supply running out.
Wide-body candle
A candle body more than twice its 20-day average on heavy volume, biggest body first.
Doji on heavy volume
An indecision candle on above-average volume while the trend still holds.
Marubozu on volume
A bar with almost no wicks on above-average volume. One side held the session end to end.
Common questions
What does RVOL 2 mean?
The stock traded twice its own 20-day average volume. Twice as much stock changed hands as on a normal day, which usually means news, a result, or a large participant acting. Direction is not in the number; the price change alongside it tells you which side was doing the acting.
What is a good relative volume for a breakout?
Most breakout scans on this site use 1.5 as the floor and treat 2 or more as strong. Below about 1.2 a breakout is a drift to new highs on ordinary interest, the variety that tends to fall back through the level. The threshold filters; it promises nothing.