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Overview

Long/Short Ratio displays the ratio of long to short positions from Binance exchange data. It is available for three trader categories:
  • Global — All traders on the exchange
  • Top Position — Top traders ranked by total position size
  • Top Account — Top traders ranked by account value
When the ratio is above 1.0, there are more longs than shorts. Below 1.0, shorts dominate.

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How It Works

Binance publishes aggregate long/short ratio data at regular intervals for futures markets. This indicator fetches and displays that data directly, segmented by trader category. The three categories reveal different aspects of market positioning:
  • Global ratio reflects the entire market’s positioning. Extreme readings often serve as contrarian signals — when everyone is long, the market may be overleveraged for a long squeeze.
  • Top Position ratio shows how the largest position holders are positioned. These are often more informed participants.
  • Top Account ratio shows positioning by account value. High-net-worth traders may have different views than the crowd.
When all three ratios diverge from price direction, it creates a strong contrarian signal. For example, if all three ratios show extreme long positioning while price stalls, a long squeeze becomes likely.

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Interpretation

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Contrarian Signals

Long/Short Ratio is most useful as a contrarian indicator. Extreme crowded positions tend to unwind violently:
  • Extreme longs + price near resistance = high probability short setup
  • Extreme shorts + price near support = high probability long setup

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Smart Money Divergence

When Global ratio diverges from Top Position and Top Account ratios, it reveals a disconnect between retail and institutional positioning. Follow the “top” categories for directional bias.

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Settings

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Data Period

The period setting controls the granularity of the L/S ratio data from Binance:
Long/Short Ratio data comes directly from Binance. It is only available for Binance Futures symbols. The data may have a slight delay (typically 1-2 minutes) compared to real-time price data.

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Display Modes

  • Line — Default. Three separate colored lines plotted against a 1.0 baseline. Best for comparing the three categories.
  • Columns — Histogram view. Less common but useful when focusing on a single category.

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Practical Examples

Long Squeeze Setup: All three L/S ratios are above 2.0 (extreme long positioning). Price approaches a major resistance level and stalls. A small sell-off triggers liquidations, and the crowded long side rapidly unwinds — price drops sharply. Smart Money Fade: Global ratio shows 1.8 (retail heavily long). Top Position ratio is at 0.8 (institutional traders are short). This divergence suggests the “smart money” expects a decline. Fade the retail crowd. Confirmation Signal: Price breaks above a key level. Global L/S ratio starts rising from 1.0 toward 1.3 — participants are adding longs after the breakout, confirming the move has participation rather than just stop runs.