Technical analysis · updated October 21, 2026
What is the 52-week high and the distance from it
The 52-week high is the highest closing price of the past year. The distance shows how many percent today's price sits below that high. Close to zero means the stock is at its high for the year.
The 52-week high formula
- 52-week high
- The highest closing price over the last 52 weeks.
Worked example
The year's high was $80, and today's price is $68.
The stock is 15% below its high of the past year.
How to read the 52-week high
Studies show that stocks close to their yearly high tend to keep rising more often than those far from it. In the screener you will find the "near the high" filter.
When the 52-week high can fool you
Far from the high does not mean cheap: sometimes the stock fell because the business got worse.
Related terms
Questions about the 52-week high
Is it a good idea to buy near the yearly high?
It is neither good nor bad in itself. What matters is why it rose. Many good stocks hit new highs year after year.
These explanations are for information only. They are not a recommendation to buy or sell.
Back to the glossary