What is 3-5-7 rule in trading?

[Mdraghib]

I’ve been exploring the 3-5-7 rule in trading and wanted to open a discussion around how others apply it in real market conditions.

For those unfamiliar, the 3-5-7 rule focuses on limiting:

• 3 trades per day
• 5 trades per market
• 7 trades per week

The idea is simple reduce overtrading, improve discipline, and focus only on high-probability setups rather than chasing every move.
I’ve seen traders using this rule while trading forex and indices on platforms offered by brokers like Exclusive Markets, where execution speed and spread stability matter a lot when you’re being selective with trades.

Curious to hear from experienced traders:

• Do you follow any trade-limiting rules like this?
• Has it helped with psychology and consistency?
• Do you adjust the rule based on volatility or session?

Looking forward to learning from real experiences.

 

[YellowWitty]

For me, a rule like this is mostly about emotions. After a win or a loss, I can feel the urge to jump right back in. Having a limit gives me a clean stopping point and helps me protect myself from bad decisions.

 

[Cheeky]

Scalpers will probably struggle the most with rules like this since their style naturally involves more frequent entries. That’s why trade limits really need to match your strategy, not fight it. The goal isn’t to hit a quota, but to avoid forcing trades just to stay active. Waiting for a setup that actually makes sense is still the rule that applies to everyone, regardless of style.

 

[Orthotonic]

The 3 5 7 rule is basically a way to stop yourself from overtrading. It gives you a cap so you do not keep clicking just because you are bored or trying to win back a loss. Some people use it like 3 trades in a day, 5 trades on the same pair, and 7 trades in a week. The exact numbers can change, but the idea is the same. Trade less, be more selective, and protect your mindset.

 

[Idealism]

Another thing to remember is that 3-5-7 is the maximum number of trades, not the ideal number. Some days you may find just one valid setup, and that single trade is enough. Other days, there may be no good setups at all, and forcing a trade wouldn’t make sense. The key is not trading for the sake of it, but waiting for opportunities that truly align with your strategy.