What is relative volume (RVOL)?
Relative volume compares how much a stock is trading now with its normal volume. An RVOL of 3 means it is trading about three times its usual amount, which signals unusual interest.
RVOL is usually calculated as current volume divided by average volume over a recent period, sometimes adjusted for the time of day so morning volume is compared with typical morning volume.
Why it matters: price moves on low volume are easy to reverse because few participants are behind them. Moves on high relative volume show that many traders are involved, often because of a news catalyst.
Momentum scanners, including our Elite Gainers scanner, filter for stocks with high RVOL and a large percentage change. That list is informational: it shows where activity is, not what to buy.
High RVOL also means higher volatility, wider swings and, in small caps, possible halts. Traders use it to decide where to pay attention, then still require a clear level, a confirmation and a defined stop before any trade.
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