What are the best settings for the MAVOL indicator for day trading?

The MAVOL indicator smooths volume data to help day traders spot trends, confirm breakouts, and gauge market momentum when combined with price action and other tools.

Aug 13, 2025 at 11:36 am

Understanding the MAVOL Indicator in Day Trading

The MAVOL (Moving Average of Volume) indicator is a technical analysis tool used to smooth out volume fluctuations by applying a moving average to historical trading volume. This helps traders identify trends in buying and selling pressure over a specific period. In day trading, where timing and momentum are crucial, the MAVOL can signal potential breakouts, reversals, or consolidation phases. Unlike price-based indicators, MAVOL focuses on volume dynamics, offering insights into market participation and conviction behind price movements. When volume increases alongside price trends, it often confirms the strength of the move. Conversely, declining volume during price advances may suggest weakening momentum.

Common MAVOL Settings for Intraday Charts

For day trading, selecting the right period for the MAVOL is critical. Most traders use a 5-period or 8-period simple moving average applied to volume. These settings strike a balance between responsiveness and noise reduction. On 1-minute or 5-minute charts, a 5-period MAVOL reacts quickly to volume spikes, making it ideal for scalping strategies. A 8-period MAVOL offers slightly more smoothing, reducing false signals during low-volume periods. Some platforms allow customization of the moving average type—Simple Moving Average (SMA) is most common, though Exponential Moving Average (EMA) can be used to give more weight to recent volume data.

To apply the MAVOL on most trading platforms:

• Open your charting software (e.g., TradingView, ThinkorSwim, MetaTrader).
• Navigate to the indicators section.
• Search for "Volume" and then select "Moving Average of Volume" or manually add a moving average to the volume pane.
• Set the period to 5 or 8.
• Choose SMA as the calculation method.
• Adjust the color for visibility (e.g., yellow or white line over the volume bars).

Combining MAVOL with Price Action and Other Indicators

Using MAVOL in isolation may lead to misleading signals. It is most effective when combined with price action and other technical tools. For instance, a breakout above resistance accompanied by volume exceeding the MAVOL line suggests strong institutional participation. Conversely, a breakout on volume below the MAVOL may indicate a false move.

Traders often pair MAVOL with:

• Price moving averages (e.g., 9 EMA and 21 EMA) to confirm trend direction.
• Volume Profile to identify high-volume nodes and potential support/resistance zones.
• RSI or MACD to detect overbought or oversold conditions in conjunction with volume surges.

When price rises and volume crosses above the MAVOL, it confirms bullish momentum. When price falls but volume stays below the MAVOL, the downtrend may lack conviction. These confluences help filter high-probability entries.

Optimizing MAVOL for Different Market Conditions

Market volatility and session times influence the effectiveness of MAVOL settings. During the first hour of the U.S. session (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM ET), volume is typically highest. In this environment, a 5-period MAVOL can capture rapid shifts in sentiment. Later in the day, when volume tends to decline, a 13-period MAVOL may provide more reliable baselines.

For high-volatility assets like Bitcoin or meme stocks, consider using a 3-period MAVOL to detect immediate volume surges. For large-cap stocks or major forex pairs, a 8-period or 13-period setting avoids overreaction to minor volume fluctuations.

To adjust for different instruments:

• Test the MAVOL on historical intraday data using backtesting features.
• Compare volume spikes with price action to assess signal accuracy.
• Use multiple MAVOL lines (e.g., 5 and 13) to identify crossovers—similar to moving average crossovers in price analysis.

When the short-term MAVOL crosses above the long-term one, it may signal increasing buying pressure. This dual-line approach enhances decision-making in fast-moving markets.

Practical Setup Example on TradingView

To configure the optimal MAVOL settings on TradingView for day trading:

• Load a 5-minute chart of a liquid asset (e.g., BTC/USDT or AAPL).
• Click "Indicators" at the top of the chart.
• Type "Volume" and select the default volume indicator.
• Click the settings (gear) icon next to "Volume".
• Under "Style", ensure volume bars are visible.
• Click "Indicators" again and search for "Moving Average".
• Add "Moving Average" to the chart, but this time apply it to the volume pane, not the price.
• Set the length to 5.
• Choose Simple as the average type.
• Change the color to lime green for contrast.
• Optionally, add a second MAVOL with length 13 and color orange.
• Position alerts for when volume crosses above or below the MAVOL line.

This setup allows real-time monitoring of volume trends. For example, if BTC price jumps 2% on a 5-minute candle and volume exceeds the 5-period MAVOL by 150%, it may indicate a strong directional move worth trading.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Traders often misinterpret MAVOL signals by ignoring context. A high volume spike above MAVOL during a news event may not be tradable if the move is already extended. Similarly, low volume during consolidation is normal—do not assume weakness without price confirmation.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using MAVOL on illiquid assets where volume data is sparse or manipulated.
• Applying long-period MAVOL settings (e.g., 50) on 1-minute charts, which lag too much for day trading.
• Ignoring the time of day—volume patterns differ between pre-market, regular session, and after-hours.
• Relying solely on MAVOL crossovers without aligning with trend or order flow.

Instead, treat MAVOL as a confirmation tool. Wait for price to break a key level, then check if volume supports the move. If both align, the probability of continuation increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MAVOL be used on tick charts instead of time-based charts?

Yes, MAVOL can be applied to tick charts, but interpretation differs. On a 1000-tick chart, volume is inherently tied to trading activity, so MAVOL may appear more volatile. Use shorter periods like 3 or 5 and compare volume surges to recent averages. Be cautious—tick charts can compress or expand time, distorting volume timing.

Is there a way to automate MAVOL-based alerts for day trading?

Most platforms support automated alerts. On TradingView, after setting up MAVOL, click the "Alerts" button, choose "Create Alert", and set the condition: volume > mavol(5). Trigger the alert on "Once Per Bar Close" to avoid duplicates. You can link alerts to email, SMS, or trading bots for immediate execution.

How does MAVOL differ from On-Balance Volume (OBV)?
MAVOL measures the average of raw volume over time, showing trends in trading activity. OBV is a cumulative indicator that adds volume on up days and subtracts on down days, aiming to detect smart money flow. MAVOL is simpler and better for spotting volume spikes; OBV is used to confirm price trends with volume divergence.

Should I use different MAVOL settings for crypto versus stocks?

Yes. Cryptocurrencies often exhibit erratic volume due to 24/7 trading and global participation. A 3-period or 5-period MAVOL works better for quick signals. Stocks follow regular market hours with predictable volume patterns, so 5-period or 8-period settings are sufficient. Always backtest on your specific asset to confirm effectiveness.