> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://terminal.incrypto.ru/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Net Shorts

> Net short positioning from order book depth data.

## Overview

**Net Shorts** measures the net short bias extracted from order book depth data. It quantifies how much selling interest (ask-side depth) exists relative to a baseline, revealing passive seller positioning before trades execute.

This is the sell-side counterpart to Net Longs. Together, they provide a full picture of order book positioning.

## How It Works

The indicator analyzes order book snapshots and computes the net short bias at a configurable depth bucket. The `depthIndex` parameter controls how deep into the ask side of the book the measurement reaches.

## Chart Type

| Property    | Value                      |
| ----------- | -------------------------- |
| Type        | Subchart                   |
| Position    | Below main chart           |
| Data source | Order book depth snapshots |

## Settings

| Parameter          | Description                       | Default   |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------- | --------- |
| color              | Bar/line color                    | `#ef4444` |
| depthIndex         | Depth bucket to analyze (0-9)     | `3`       |
| displayMode        | Rendering style                   | `columns` |
| highlightAnomalies | Flag statistical outliers         | `false`   |
| anomalyThreshold   | Standard deviation multiplier     | `2.5`     |
| anomalyPeriod      | Lookback period for anomaly stats | `30`      |
| gradientIntensity  | Fill gradient strength (0-1)      | `0`       |

### Depth Index

| depthIndex | Typical Range | Use Case                              |
| ---------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| 0-2        | Near best ask | Scalping, short-term positioning      |
| 3-5        | Mid-depth     | Swing trading, general analysis       |
| 6-9        | Deep book     | Institutional positioning, macro view |

## Interpretation

### Rising Net Shorts

Increasing short positioning in the order book signals growing selling interest. Passive sellers are stacking offers, which can act as resistance or signal informed selling.

### Declining Net Shorts

Sellers pulling their orders reduces overhead supply. This often precedes breakouts as the resistance above price thins out.

### Net Shorts at Key Levels

<Tip>
  Spikes in Net Shorts at resistance levels often precede reversals. When sellers aggressively stack orders at a technical level, it reinforces that level as a ceiling.
</Tip>

### Divergence Signals

| Net Shorts | Price   | Interpretation                                                  |
| ---------- | ------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Rising     | Rising  | Sellers positioning against the rally — potential reversal zone |
| Rising     | Falling | Sellers piling on — trend continuation likely                   |
| Falling    | Rising  | Resistance thinning — breakout potential                        |
| Falling    | Falling | Sellers covering — potential bottom forming                     |

## Anomaly Detection

When `highlightAnomalies` is enabled, periods where Net Shorts exceed the rolling average by more than the configured threshold are flagged. Anomalous spikes in short positioning often precede significant moves.

<Note>
  Net Shorts reflects passive positioning (limit orders in the book), not aggressive selling. For active selling pressure, use Delta Volume or CVD.
</Note>

## Practical Examples

* **Resistance reinforcement**: Net Shorts spike at a known resistance level — sellers are defending aggressively.
* **Short squeeze setup**: Net Shorts elevated but price starts pushing through — trapped sellers may be forced to cover.
* **Breakdown signal**: Net Shorts building during consolidation at support — potential breakdown.

## Related Indicators

* [Net Longs](/en/indicators/metrics/net-longs) — the buy-side counterpart
* [Net Longs/Shorts](/en/indicators/metrics/net-longs-shorts) — combined overlay of both
* [Enhanced Liquidations](/en/indicators/metrics/enhanced-liquidations) — forced closures from leveraged positions