01 · Indicator · Ichimoku
What is Ichimoku?
Developed by Japanese journalist Goichi Hosoda and published in the late 1960s, Ichimoku Kinko Hyo means 'one-glance equilibrium chart'. It relies on midpoints of highs and lows rather than averages of closes.
Its appeal: a single indicator tells you whether the market is trending, in which direction, and where likely reaction zones are.
02 · Indicator · Ichimoku
The five lines
Tenkan-sen = midpoint of the 9-period high and low (fast line). Kijun-sen = same over 26 periods (base line). Senkou A = average of Tenkan and Kijun, plotted 26 periods ahead. Senkou B = 52-period midpoint, plotted 26 ahead. Chikou span = current close shifted 26 periods back.
The space between Senkou A and Senkou B forms the cloud, or Kumo.
03 · Indicator · Ichimoku
Reading the cloud
Price above the cloud: bullish bias. Below: bearish bias. Inside: indecision. A thick cloud is solid support or resistance, a thin cloud is easier to cross.
Because the cloud is projected 26 periods ahead, it hints at future reaction zones, something few indicators offer.
04 · Indicator · Ichimoku
Classic signals
The Tenkan/Kijun cross is the main signal: stronger above the cloud for a buy, below it for a sell. The Chikou span confirms when it is itself clear of past price.
Ichimoku filters oscillator signals well: an oversold RSI under a thick bearish cloud calls for caution, a MACD crossover above the cloud gains credibility.
05 · Indicator · Ichimoku
Ichimoku on crypto
Crypto trades 24/7; some traders adapt the settings (for example 10/30/60) to seven-day weeks. On GraphTrade, Ichimoku uses the original 9/26/52 settings.
To compare several assets, add them to your Portfolio and flip between them with the arrow keys while the date range stays the same.
◆ Step by step
Get started in 4 steps
- 01
Open a chart
Pick an asset, ideally on 4h or 1D to start.
- 02
Add Ichimoku
In Indicators, Trend group, click Ichimoku.
- 03
Locate price
Is price above, inside or below the cloud?
- 04
Wait for a cross
Watch for a Tenkan/Kijun cross in the direction of the cloud.
◆ FAQ
Your questions, clear answers.
01What are the Ichimoku settings?
9, 26 and 52 periods, with the cloud projected 26 periods ahead.
02Is Ichimoku suited to day trading?
It works on any timeframe but is most readable on 4h, 1D and 1W.
03What does a green or red cloud mean?
The cloud is bullish when Senkou A is above Senkou B, bearish otherwise.
04What is the Chikou span for?
It compares the current close with price 26 periods ago to confirm trend strength.