What is the calculation formula of the TRIX indicator? Why use triple smoothing?

The TRIX indicator, developed by Jack Hutson, uses triple exponential smoothing to filter market noise and highlight trends in crypto trading.

May 25, 2025 at 09:22 pm

The TRIX indicator, short for Triple Exponential Average, is a momentum oscillator used by traders to identify potential buy and sell signals in the cryptocurrency market. Developed by Jack Hutson in the 1980s, the TRIX indicator is designed to filter out market noise and highlight significant trends. In this article, we will delve into the calculation formula of the TRIX indicator and explore the rationale behind using triple smoothing.

Calculation Formula of the TRIX Indicator

The TRIX indicator is calculated using a series of exponential moving averages (EMAs). The process involves three main steps:

• First EMA Calculation: Calculate the first exponential moving average (EMA) of the closing prices over a specified period, typically 15 days.
• Second EMA Calculation: Calculate the second EMA of the first EMA.
• Third EMA Calculation: Calculate the third EMA of the second EMA.

After obtaining the third EMA, the TRIX value is derived by calculating the percentage change in the third EMA from one period to the next. The formula can be expressed as follows:

[ \text{TRIX} = \left( \frac{\text{EMA3}t - \text{EMA3}{t-1}}{\text{EMA3}_{t-1}} \right) \times 100 ]

Where:

• ( \text{EMA3}_t ) is the third EMA at the current period ( t ).
• ( \text{EMA3}_{t-1} ) is the third EMA at the previous period ( t-1 ).

Why Use Triple Smoothing?

The primary reason for using triple smoothing in the TRIX indicator is to reduce the impact of short-term price fluctuations and focus on the underlying trend. Triple smoothing enhances the sensitivity of the indicator to long-term trends while minimizing the noise caused by short-term price movements.

• Enhanced Trend Identification: By applying three layers of smoothing, the TRIX indicator can more accurately identify the direction and strength of a trend. This is particularly useful in the volatile cryptocurrency market, where short-term price swings can obscure the true trend.
• Noise Reduction: The triple smoothing process filters out minor price fluctuations, making it easier for traders to focus on significant price movements. This can help traders avoid false signals and make more informed trading decisions.
• Signal Clarity: The TRIX indicator's use of triple smoothing results in a smoother line on the chart, which can provide clearer signals for potential entry and exit points. This clarity can be crucial in the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency trading.

Application of the TRIX Indicator in Cryptocurrency Trading

The TRIX indicator can be applied in various ways within the cryptocurrency trading environment. Here are some common uses:

• Trend Confirmation: Traders often use the TRIX indicator to confirm the direction of a trend. A positive TRIX value indicates an uptrend, while a negative TRIX value suggests a downtrend.
• Divergence Analysis: Divergence between the TRIX indicator and the price action can signal potential trend reversals. For instance, if the price of a cryptocurrency is making higher highs but the TRIX is making lower highs, it could indicate a bearish divergence and a potential downward reversal.
• Signal Line Crossovers: Some traders use a signal line, typically a 9-day EMA of the TRIX, to generate buy and sell signals. A crossover above the signal line is considered a bullish signal, while a crossover below the signal line is seen as a bearish signal.

How to Implement the TRIX Indicator on a Trading Platform

Implementing the TRIX indicator on a trading platform can be straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide using a popular platform like TradingView:

• Open the Chart: Navigate to the cryptocurrency chart you want to analyze.
• Add Indicator: Click on the "Indicators" button, usually found at the top of the chart.
• Search for TRIX: Type "TRIX" in the search bar and select the TRIX indicator from the list.
• Adjust Settings: Modify the settings as needed, such as the period length for the EMAs. The default setting is typically 15 days for the main EMA and 9 days for the signal line.
• Apply Indicator: Click "Apply" to add the TRIX indicator to your chart.

Interpreting the TRIX Indicator

Understanding how to interpret the TRIX indicator is crucial for effective trading. Here are some key points to consider:

• Zero Line Crossovers: When the TRIX line crosses above the zero line, it can be a signal to buy, indicating the start of a new uptrend. Conversely, when the TRIX line crosses below the zero line, it may be a signal to sell, suggesting the beginning of a downtrend.
• Signal Line Crossovers: As mentioned earlier, crossovers between the TRIX line and its signal line can also provide trading signals. A bullish signal is generated when the TRIX line crosses above the signal line, while a bearish signal occurs when the TRIX line crosses below the signal line.
• Divergence: Pay attention to divergences between the TRIX indicator and the price action. Bullish divergence occurs when the price makes lower lows, but the TRIX makes higher lows, suggesting a potential upward reversal. Bearish divergence happens when the price makes higher highs, but the TRIX makes lower highs, indicating a possible downward reversal.

Limitations of the TRIX Indicator

While the TRIX indicator is a powerful tool, it is not without its limitations. Here are some points to be aware of:

• Lag: Like all moving average-based indicators, the TRIX can lag behind the actual price action. This lag can result in late signals, particularly in fast-moving markets.
• False Signals: In highly volatile markets, the TRIX indicator can generate false signals. It is essential to use the TRIX in conjunction with other technical analysis tools to confirm signals.
• Over-Smoothing: The triple smoothing process can sometimes over-smooth the data, potentially missing out on short-term trading opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the TRIX indicator be used effectively in all market conditions?

A: The TRIX indicator is most effective in trending markets, where it can help identify and confirm the direction of the trend. In sideways or choppy markets, the TRIX may generate more false signals due to its focus on longer-term trends.

Q: How does the TRIX indicator differ from other momentum indicators like the RSI or MACD?

A: The TRIX indicator uses triple exponential smoothing, which makes it more sensitive to long-term trends and less responsive to short-term price fluctuations compared to the RSI (Relative Strength Index) and MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence). The RSI focuses on overbought and oversold conditions, while the MACD is used to identify trend changes and momentum.

Q: What is the optimal period setting for the TRIX indicator in cryptocurrency trading?

A: The optimal period setting can vary depending on the cryptocurrency and the trader's strategy. The default setting is often 15 days for the main EMA, but traders may experiment with different periods to find what works best for their specific trading approach.

Q: Can the TRIX indicator be used for both short-term and long-term trading?

A: While the TRIX indicator is primarily designed for identifying long-term trends, it can be adjusted for shorter time frames by changing the period settings. However, due to its triple smoothing nature, it may be less effective for very short-term trading compared to indicators designed specifically for that purpose.