For scalping ESM5 on a 500T chart, volume analysis is critical to confirm momentum and spot reversals. Here are the best volume indicators for Tradovate, ranked by usefulness for your strategy:

1. Volume Profile (Best for Key Levels)
What it shows:

Where the most contracts traded (high-volume nodes = support/resistance).

Value Area (POC = Point of Control).

Best Settings:

Session-only (for day scalping).

Row height: 1 tick (precision for scalping).

How to Use:

Scalp long near high-volume support.

Scalp short near high-volume resistance.

Volume Profile Example (POC in yellow, value area in blue)

2. Order Flow / Footprint Chart (Best for Real-Time Scalping)
What it shows:

Bid/ask volume at each price level.

Absorption (large orders stalling reversals).

Key Features:

Delta: Net buying/selling pressure.

Imbalance: Sudden volume spikes.

How to Use:

Enter when delta diverges from price (e.g., price drops but delta rises = hidden buying).

Footprint Chart (Red = aggressive sellers, green = aggressive buyers)

3. VWAP + Volume (Best for Trend Confirmation)
What it shows:

Whether volume supports price direction.

How to Use:

Price above VWAP + rising volume = Strong long scalp.

Price below VWAP + rising volume = Strong short scalp.

4. Cumulative Delta (Best for Momentum)
What it shows:

Net difference between buying/selling volume.

Best Settings:

Chart type: Histogram (easier to read).

How to Use:

Delta rising while price stalls = Potential breakout.

Cumulative Delta (Green bars = net buying, red = net selling)

5. Time & Sales (Best for Tape Reading)
What it shows:

Real-time order flow (aggressive buyers/sellers).

How to Use:

Look for large orders at key levels (e.g., 100+ contracts hitting bids = short signal).

Best Volume Indicator Combos for Scalping
For Liquidity Zones:

Volume Profile + Footprint (spot high-volume nodes and absorption).

For Momentum:

Cumulative Delta + VWAP (confirm trend strength).

For Precision Entries:

Time & Sales + RSI (3) (tape-reading + overbought/oversold).

Tradovate-Specific Setup Tips
Enable "Volume Profile" from the Indicators menu.

For Order Flow, subscribe to "Depth of Market" (DOM) data if needed.

Use hotkeys to toggle volume tools during fast markets.

Final Advice
Start with Volume Profile + VWAP (simplest for beginners).

Graduate to Order Flow once comfortable.

Avoid clutter—use 1-2 volume tools max.

Need help configuring these in Tradovate? Let me know which tool you want to prioritize! 🚀