The Average Directional Index or ADX is an indicator to identify the trend power. In the uptrend and downward markets, knowing the power of the trend can help you enter profitable transactions in the same direction. Of course, the ADX indicator does not tell us the direction of the trend and should be used in combination with other indicators to detect it.
In this article, we answer the question of what ADX is and what is the difference with the Directional Movement Index or DMI in the technical analysis of digital currency. Then we teach the formula, settings, and how to add it to analytical platforms such as Trading View, and finally examine the strategies and trademarks based on it.
What is ADX indicator or directional mean index?
The Average Directional Index or ADX orientation is a delayed index that is used only to measure the power of the trend and does not tell us its upward or downward. In other words, ADX is an index that is made from one single line and is plotted under the price chart.
What is the difference between ADX and DMI?
At the outset, the ADX is part of a larger analytical system called the Directional Movement Index or DMI. Because of the similarity of naming and the use of these two indicators in technical analysis, and especially because ADX is part of DMI, most users confuse and even use each other. However, you should know that DMI consists of three main components:
- DI+ line (positive direction index): shows upward motion.
- DI-(negative directional index): shows the power of descending motion.
- The ADX line (directional mean index): Measures the overall strength of the process (regardless of ascending or descending).
In other words, the ADX indicator does not specify the direction of the process alone and only indicates The strength of the trend But in combination with the DI+ and Di-lines, both the power and the direction of the process can be recognized. For this reason, the ADX falls into the group of Ronenm Indicators.
Read more: DMI indicator or directional motion index
The difference of how to use the ADX and DMI indicator
The specific applications of ADX alone include the detection of trend power. For example, if the ADX is above 1, it reflects a strong trend, whether up and down. This information alone can be useful for traders seeking to confirm the power of a process before entering the transaction.
DMI, as a system, not only shows the power of the process, but also its direction. The ADX combination with DI+ and Di- helps traders identify better entry and exit points. For example, if Di+ crosses the DI and ADX is upward, this can be a purchase signal.
Suppose the price of digital currency is rising, but its ADX index is below 1. This shows that the upward trend is weak and may not continue. In this case, buying Ethereum is high risk. But if the DI+ is higher than the DI and the ADX is above 1, this indicates a strong uptrend and the purchase of Ethereum can be profitable.
ADX indicator history
One of the user -made market traders, J. Welle Wilder, designed the ADX index, part of the DMI indicator system, in year 2. The main theory behind the design of this indicator is that when the market moves towards a strong (upward or downward) process, it increases the chance of profitability and reduces the risk of damage. For this reason, ADX is very popular among traders along with similar indicators such as moving average and parabolic sar (SAR).
Although the original ADX formula was presented by Wilder in Year 2, over time, analysts and developers have suggested changes in how it is calculated and interpreted. Some of these changes include using different time periods to calculate the moving average, or apply additional filters to reduce false fluctuations and signals. The purpose of these changes was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the indicator in different market conditions.
In particular, some traders use ADX in combination with other indicators to get more accurate trading signals. For example, the combination of ADX with transactions or diagramite indicators can help confirm the process and identify the appropriate entry and exit points. These combined approaches indicate the ongoing efforts to optimize and match ADX with different trading strategies.
In which markets is ADX?
The mean orientation index can be used in all financial markets, including stocks, securities, forex, foiches and digital currencies.
ADX indicator applications in technical analysis
- Identifying the trend market against the suffering market
- The strength of the trend if existing
- Filtering trading signals in combination with other indicators (such as McD and RSI)
- Detect the right time to exit transactions
- Verify or reject the validity of price failures
- Identify divergence in the trend mall
Formula and how to calculate the ADX indicator components
As we said, the ADX is part of the larger DMI system and is only formed from one line and under the price chart. For this reason, to calculate the ADX line, we also need to calculate the DI-and DI+ and DM value. So we can use the same DMI calculation formula to calculate ADX.
Of course, although we do not need to manually calculate the ADX formula, and analytical platforms and diagram drawing such as Trading View automatically calculate it and draw on the price chart, knowing how to calculate it is not without grace.
If you do not want to know the details of the formula for calculating this indicator, you can ignore this section.
The overall formula of the DMI indicator is as follows:
+ Di = ((Smoothed ma + dm)/ATR) * ۱۰۰۰
-Di = ((Smoothed MA -DM)/ATR) * 1
DX = ((+di –di)/(+di+-di)) * 1
First adx = sum n periods of dx / n
After that adx = (((((((((((((() Prior ADX * n-1) + Current dx) /n
Where:
+DM = Current High – Previous High
-Dm = previvault low -Current Low
ATR = Average True Range
n = the number of periods that are by default;
Depending on the formula above, you need to go through the following steps to calculate ADX:
Step One: Calculate DM- and DM+
In the first step, we must calculate the directional motion line or the ascending and descending DM that appear positively and negative:
+DM = Previous Ceiling – Current Ceiling
-Di = current floor -previous floor
If the calculated value for both DMs is positive and above zero, we consider the larger value. If one of them is negative, we will make it zero.
Step Two: Calculate the real interval (TR)
The true range or TR is used to normalize directional movements. This variable considers price chats and daily fluctuations. For a specified period, the TR value is equal to the largest value of one of the following:
TR = Current Floor – Current Ceiling
TR = Price of Previous Closing – Current Ceiling
TR = Price of Previous Closing – Current Floor
Step Three: Calculate DI- and DI+
Next, we need to calculate the positive and negative DIs of the directional motion. DI+ shows the percentage of uptrend and DI-indicates the percentage of descending motion:
+ Di = (Subtracted Movement + DM) / ATR * 1
-Di = (Subscribed Moving Average -DM) / ATR * 1
The calculation period in the ADX indicator is 1. For this reason, the ATR will be equal to the moving average of the real interval.
Step Four: Calculate DX
The Directional Movement Index indicated with DX is also calculated as follows:
DX = (|+di –di | / |+di+-di |) * 1
The dx value shows the distance between the two oriented indicators.
Step Five: Calculate ADX
To calculate itself, we need to pave the DX values for a specified period. To do this, we will use the Wilder Moving average.
The first ADX value is the average n value of the first DX, which shows the number of periods. We also need to use previous ADXs to calculate the next ADX value. The formulas are as follows:
First adx = sum n periods of dx / n
After that adx = ((prevoice adx * n-1) + current dx) /n
This smoothing reduces the ADX line fluctuation and improves it to measure trend power.
How to interpret the values and signals of ADX
The indicator of the average index is between 1 and 2, which is usually divided into intervals and determines the strength of the process. In general, increasing the ADX value means increasing the strength of the trend and decreasing it means reducing the strength of the trend.
However, how the different resources are divided in terms of trend power varies according to the value of the average direction index, which we will examine below:
First Division Model:
In most sources, the following segmentation is used to measure the strength of the trend by the mean direction index:
The amount Adx | The strength of the trend |
1-4 | Without trends or trends very weak |
1-4 | The strong process |
4-5 | Very strong process |
4-5 | Ultra -strong trend (the probability of low events and possibly unstable) |
Second Division Model:
Some sources consider high values to be a powerful ascending or downward trend:
The amount Adx | The strength of the trend |
1-4 | The poor trend |
4-5 | The strong process |
4-5 | Very strong process |
Third Division Model:
In the other division, the way the process is naming the power is based on the ADX indicator values:
The amount Adx | The strength of the trend |
Below 1 | Without trends |
Above 1 | New process |
Between 1 and 2 | Verify the new trend |
Above 1 | Very strong process |
Above 1 | The above process of strong |
Above 1 | Very rare conditions known as Power Trend (Power Trend) |
Signal of Market Suffering
The average index indicator is one of the valid tools for identifying or non -trend phases in the market. When the ADX value reaches below 1 and remains in the same range for a significant period, it indicates that the market is without a trend or in a single phase of suffering.
For example, in the picture below, between June and August, the ADX value is below 2 and the price is suffering.

In the range of suffering and Sideway, the price between certain levels of support and resistance is high and low. In such circumstances usually:
- Shopping orders are registered near the support areas.
- Sales orders are near resistors.
Read more: What are the types of markets in digital currencies?
Signal of Monastery and the speed of process changes
Momentum or acceleration of motion means the speed of price changes. The amount of directional mean index indicator also tells us whether a trend is increasing or decreasing in acceleration. By seeing a set of peaks at ADX, we can get a general clue to the fair:
- ADX peaks are lifting, indicating an increase in the acceleration of the trend.
- Reducing ADX peaks indicates a decrease in acceleration.
According to many sources, any ADX peak that is above number 2 represents a powerful process, even if the new summit is shorter than the previous peaks. In other words, in an uptrend, even when the fair (acceleration) is declining, prices can still rise. The reason for this is that supply (sales pressure) on the climb is gradually recruited and unloaded and the overall uptrend is maintained.
For example, in the picture below, from mid -November to late December, the ADX peaks are gradually shorter, but remaining above 2, and the overall price trend is still upward. This means that although the process is losing acceleration, it is still upward.

When the trend is getting stronger, you can get more confidence in the transactions and get out of them by seeing weak signs.
ADX divergence signals and price
Another thing to obtain signals of the continuation, change, modification or phase of the process is comparing the average and price mean behavior behavior. If the price of a higher ceiling builds up, but ADX forms a lower peak, that is, negative divergence or “disapproval” of the trend.
For example, in the picture below, although the price has reached a new local roof, ADX has recorded a lower roof indicating a disapproval of the upward trend; However, the value is still above 1 (on 1). As you can see below, the downward trend and price decline.

However, price divergence and ADX are not necessarily a signal for the trend reversal; Rather, it is a warning to change the fair. In such circumstances, it is best to restrict the loss limit or harvest part of the profit.
So it can be concluded that in general, price divergence and ADX may lead to the process, entry into the stabilization phase, price correction or even return. So you have to monitor the price behavior exactly.
Price failure signals
The market of suffering will sooner or later with a price failure, or Breakout. These failures are very common in the market and can be good opportunities to enter the trading. Of course, although it is easy to identify the failures, it is very difficult to identify which real failure and which is false or deceitful. Many false and false failures can cause huge damage.
Read more: What is Brake August or Resistance Failure?
In order to reduce the mistakes, it should also be paid to the ADX value:
- Price failure associated with Adx Above 1 – Valid SignalA: If the ADX value is above 5 when a market fails, it can be said that there is enough faithful to continue moving in the new trend and the possibility of stability is high.
- Price failure with ADX below – Invalid signalA: If the price failure occurs when the ADX is still below 5, there is a possibility of failure to fail due to lack of acceleration.
For example, after the end of the Bitcoin market in late July, the upward price has been broken and the ADX value started from the very moment and reached above 6 in early August.

ADX’s time -consignment period settings
As we’ve mentioned several times, the default settings that Mr. Wilder has chosen for ADX are 4 periods, and most chart drawing platforms such as Trading View use the same.
However, you can change this course to better match this indicator with your trading strategies. For example, shortening the timeframe to 1 or 2 periods causes a faster reaction to the average orientation index to price changes, but at the same time increases the likelihood of sending the wrong signal.
If you are planning to change the time interval, be sure to test different periods in different timing.
How to draw the ADX indicator in Trading View
To draw the ADX index in TradingView you must first visit its official website and create an account. Then, open the asset price chart, such as the bitcoin price chart. Now click “Indicators” from the top of the page and type “adx”. The first option is the index we want. Click on it to appear below the price chart.

Read more: Trading Vivo
Change settings and display ADX in Trading View
If you would like to change the settings of the average orientation indicator by default, you can apply for its “Settings” section. To do this, click on the line of this indicator to make the box appear. Now click on the three dots icon and open from the cascade menu, click Settings.

Now a window opens from the “inputs” tab to the calculation period, and from the “Style” tab, change the appearance of the ADX line, including its color and model.

ADX trading strategies in combination with other indicators
Although the ADX indicator shows the strength of the trend well, it is best to use other indicators that provide information on the direction of the process, the fair, and the entry and exit points. The three most commonly used tools are moving averages, relative power index (RSI) and MacD (MACD).
ADX composition and moving average
The moving averages determine the process and are effective in detecting support and resistance levels.
For example, when the ADX reaches above 2 and confirms the strong process, and at the same time, the price is higher than the 4 -day moving average, these conditions can be considered as a purchase signal in the uptrend.

In contrast, the ADX reduction and the price drop to the moving average can be a sign of the end of the trend and the right time to leave the previous transaction or enter the sales transaction.
ADX and MacDi.
The Mecca Indicator shows both directions and modifications of faithom by examining the difference between short and long -term moving averages.
Crossover, or MacD intersections, can confirm the process based on the information of moving averages and power based on ADX data. On the contrary, even if the ADX value is high, the divergence between the MacD and the price can be considered a signal of a possible trend.
For example, if the ADX value reaches above 2 and the MacDi line below the signal line and both of these lines are below the zero line, a strong descending trend is confirmed. You can now go to the shorts position. In addition, by passing the MacD line to the top of the signal line and the beginning of the ADX value, it can be considered a signal to exit the transaction.

ADX and RSI combination
The RSI index helps to identify the saturation of the purchase or sales. The composition of the relative power index and the orientation average is also to determine the optical entry points in efficient price correction.
For example, in an uptrend with ADX above 2, if the RSI moves below 2 and then above it, there is a possibility of continuing upward trend and opportunity to enter the purchase position. In the following, if the ADX is high, the RSI has reached above 2 (purchase saturation), the time of sales and exit of the transaction has come.

ADX’s restrictions and challenges
Similar to any other technical indicator, the mean directional index also has its own limitations and challenges that we will examine below.
Delayed indicators
The average orientation index is calculated based on the moving average at a specified time (usually 2 periods). This means that this index responds to past price changes instead of instant market conditions. As a result, the ADX signal may be exported when the main price move has already happened and has lost the opportunity to enter.
No specified direction
The ADX indicator only measures the power of the process, not its direction. Therefore, without using other analytical tools or without the use of a more complete DMI system, you may have a misunderstanding of its issued signal.
Issuing the wrong signals in markets without trends
In neutral or oscillating markets, ADX may issue misleading signals. For example, the signal may be that a new trend is being formulated, but in fact the price is fluctuating only in a limited period. These wrong signals can cause inappropriate transactions and activate the loss limit.
Sensitivity to settings
The default ADX value is usually 2 periods, but it may not match the trading style or type of assets under the transaction. For example, in shorter timeframes in the digital currency market where the price fluctuations are higher, it is better to use shorter periods. However, this also takes risks and increases the likelihood of sending the wrong signal. For this reason, it is best to test and test different time periods to identify the best optimized settings.
The complexity in the interpretation
ADX is part of a larger system called DMI, which also has two lines Di+ and -di-. The analysis and interpretation of the relationships between these three lines can be complex for the newcomers.
Failure to provide signals alone and exit
The directional an index alone does not provide a specific signal for entry or exit from the transaction. If you do not use this indicator without combined with other tools such as the Action Price or RSI and McDes, you may not be able to analyze the market with high accuracy.
The ambiguity in the interpretation of border values
Common thresholds (for example, above 2 indicating a strong trend) are not absolute and definitive criteria and can vary depending on the market. If you adhere to these numbers regardless of the specific conditions of each market, you may find the actual intensity of the process wrong.
Important points and common mistakes when using ADX indicator
Given all the things we’ve said so far, it is not bad to have a general summary of all the important points of the transaction with the average index:
- AD only shows the strength of the trend, not the direction of it; To identify the direction, you must also analyze the +Di and -di lines.
- The ADX value above 2 indicates a strong trend, but this alone does not determine the downward or upward trend.
- Do not enter the transaction just by up -to -date ADX; Be sure to use other tools such as price action and the combination of other indicators.
- ADX in the suffering markets may give deceptive signals; In such circumstances, the possibility of false and false failures is high.
- The inherent delay of ADX may cause or exit the latest entry or exit, especially in markets with rapid fluctuations or inverting the trend.
- Many traders confuse the ADX with the complete DMI system, while the ADX is just part of the system.
- Default settings (such as period 1) are not suitable for all markets; Be sure to test and check before changing the course.
- In short timeframes, ADX may produce more incorrect signals; Due to the high market noise, use is recommended with caution.
- Combining ADX with other indicators such as McD and RSI, decision -making accuracy, especially in identifying more accurate entry and exit points. Increases.
- A misunderstanding of ADX divergence can cause false decisions; Divergence does not always mean returning the process. Sometimes it is just a decrease in the strength of the trend.
Frequently asked questions
No, but they are interconnected. The Average Directional Index or ADX indicator only measures the strength of the trend, not as part of the direction of the directional motion index (DMI) or DMI, which has 4 main components of Di +Di and -DI and ADX.
Although the ADX does not specify the process alone, it falls into the category of poultry indicators because it measures the strength of the process accurately. To identify the process, we need to use the DI+ and DI-along the lines.
Yes. The mean index indicator is one of the classic technical analysis tools used in all markets, including digital currencies. Since this indicator only examines price behavior, it is also high in markets such as bitcoin, ethereum and other penis.
When the ADX value reaches above 1 or 2, the market has entered a strong trend. In contrast, the ADX number is lower than 5 showing the market and its suffering.
The default ADX is usually 2 candlesticks (ie, 2 days in daily timing). The creator of this indicator, Mr. Wells Wilder, had suggested this number. Nowadays, the crypto market traders use shorter periods such as 1 or 2 for ADX index calculations due to the high fluctuation and speed of trading.
Probably no. The ADX indicator alone does not signal or sell directly, but is used as a trend power filter. To get more accurate signals, they usually combine this index with other indicators such as the RSI, the moving average or the Action Price.
Conclusion
The Average Directional Index or ADX indicator is one of the most powerful technical analysis tools to detect trend power in financial and digital currency markets. This index does not specify the process alone, but in combination with DI+ and -di -or other indicators such as RSI and MacD (MACD) can provide more accurate signals. Proper adjustment of the ADX time interval, recognizing key levels such as number 2, and avoiding common mistakes in the range of suffering markets play an important role in the success of transactions. The clever use of ADX helps traders identify strong trends and get more confidence in timely entry or exit in transactions.
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