Top Technical Indicators to Use on TradingView

Published May 16, 2025 · Read time: 10-12 minutes

When it comes to technical analysis, indicators are essential tools. They translate price movement into actionable signals. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced trader, using the right indicators can transform your results. And there's no better place to use them than TradingView.

1. What Is a Technical Indicator?

A technical indicator is a mathematical formula applied to an asset's data (price, volume, etc.) to help identify trends, opportunities, or risks. The main types are:

• Trend indicators (e.g., Moving Averages)
• Momentum indicators (e.g., RSI, MACD)
• Volume indicators (e.g., VWAP, OBV)
• Volatility indicators (e.g., Bollinger Bands)

When used properly, these tools can significantly enhance your decision-making.

2. Why Use TradingView for Your Analysis?

TradingView is the global leader in charting and analysis. Here's why:

• Smooth, intuitive, and customizable interface
• Massive library of built-in and community indicators
• Pine Script language to build your own tools
• Sync across devices, smart alerts, and a powerful screener

Over 50 million traders use it monthly—including institutional pros.

3. The 5 Must-Know Indicators

RSI – Relative Strength Index

A classic to identify market extremes. RSI >70 signals overbought, <30 signals oversold. In swing trading, a drop below 70 or a rise above 30 can be a reversal signal. You can easily pair it with alerts in TradingView.

Moving Averages (SMA / EMA)

Use these to smooth price data and visualize trends. The SMA20/SMA50 crossover is a popular setup. EMAs react faster—great for day traders. Use custom colors to manage multiple MAs on TradingView.

MACD – Moving Average Convergence Divergence

A powerful momentum tool. Look for MACD/signal line crosses and position relative to the zero line. It's a go-to indicator for detecting reversals.

Bollinger Bands

Volatility-based indicator. When the bands tighten (squeeze), expect a strong move. A breakout beyond the bands often signals high momentum. Zoom in on TradingView for precision.

VWAP & Volume Profile

VWAP shows the volume-weighted average price. Used by pros to find fair value areas. Volume Profile highlights price levels with the most traded volume—ideal for identifying key support/resistance zones.

4. How to Combine Indicators Effectively

Don't overload your charts. A smart combo might include:

• One trend indicator (EMA or VWAP)
• One timing indicator (RSI or MACD)
• One context filter (Bollinger or Volume)

Example: bullish EMA + RSI bouncing from below 30 + Bollinger squeeze = high potential setup.

5. Bonus: Use Custom Scripts on TradingView

Explore thousands of community-built indicators. Popular scripts include "QQE Mod," "SuperTrend," and "Market Cipher." Or create your own using Pine Script to suit your exact strategy.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too many similar indicators
• Ignoring market context
• Blindly trusting signals without backtesting
• Changing strategy with every false signal

Stick to a methodical approach. These tools support decision-making—they're not crystal balls.

In short, mastering a few powerful indicators and using them smartly can level up your trading. TradingView gives you unmatched flexibility to do just that.