Level 2 market data provides a detailed look at an order book, displaying the best bid prices and ask prices for a stock alongside the current bid. This visibility allows market participants to analyze liquidity and understand potential price movements in real time.
As the name suggests, Level 2 data goes beyond Level 1, which only shows the highest bid price and the lowest ask price. Level 2 trading can reveal the full market depth, giving you a clearer picture of the number of shares available at various price levels.
Think of it like pulling back the curtain on the stock market. You’re not just seeing the current price — you’re seeing who’s buying and selling, how much they’re trading, and at what prices. Trying to trade without Level 2 is like trying to drive with one eye closed. Can you do it? Technically, yes. Does it make sense to do it? No.
Level two can be a difficult concept to grasp without hands-on learning experience. We outline and showcase many examples in our Warrior Pro classes. We suggest that our members begin their assessment of their level 2 knowledge by ensuring they have completed the following classes:
Day Trading: The Basics
Chapter 9: Level 2 Market Depth & Hot Keys
Part 1: Understanding Level 2
Chapter 10: Time & Sales AKA The Tape
Day Trading: Strategies & Scaling
Chapter 6: Level 2, Tape Reading, and Hot Keys/Buttons
Part 1: Level 2
Part 2: Time & Sales AKA Tape-Reading
Part 5: Level 2 & Tape-Reading Examples
Afterwards, we suggest exploring our article here on "Popular Mentor Sessions" (see the section for Level 2).
We also suggest Ross’s Live Trading Archives, as members can observe the level 2 windows to see how stocks move before and after Ross enters or exits his positions.
There are additional free resources from our website that can help members, as well as those who aren't Warrior Trading members yet:
Video: How to use level two, with examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY7JdVjg0kw
Level 2 definition: https://www.warriortrading.com/level-2-definition-day-trading-terminology/
Level 2 market data - quick demo: https://www.warriortrading.com/level-2-market-data-quick-demonstration/
How to read Level 2 quotes for day trading (longer demo): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2xlibTeVO4
Spread Definition: https://www.warriortrading.com/spread-definition-day-trading-terminology/
Liquidity Definition:
https://www.warriortrading.com/liquidity-definition-day-trading-terminology/Spotting breakouts with Level 2: https://www.warriortrading.com/spotting-breakouts-with-level-2/
Another review from Ross on how he used level 2 to predict a stock breakout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaZ4R2ovI9k
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article