How does the triple smoothing in TRIX work

TRIX, or Triple Exponential Moving Average, is a momentum oscillator used in crypto trading to identify trends and reversals by smoothing price data through triple EMA calculations.

Jul 17, 2025 at 03:00 am

Understanding TRIX and Its Role in Technical Analysis

TRIX, short for Triple Exponential Moving Average, is a momentum oscillator primarily used in technical analysis to identify oversold or overbought conditions in financial markets, including the cryptocurrency market. It differs from simple moving averages by applying triple smoothing to price data, which helps filter out noise and provide clearer signals.

In the context of crypto trading, where volatility can be extreme, tools like TRIX become invaluable for traders seeking to understand underlying trends without being misled by sudden price spikes or dips. The key to TRIX's effectiveness lies in its multi-layered smoothing process, which we will explore in detail below.

The Mechanics Behind Triple Smoothing

The term "triple smoothing" refers to the application of exponential moving averages (EMA) three times on the original price data. This process significantly reduces the lag associated with traditional moving averages and enhances responsiveness to actual trend changes.

• First, an EMA is calculated over a specified period (typically 14 or 15).
• Then, a second EMA is applied to the result of the first smoothing.
• Finally, a third EMA is computed based on the second smoothed line.

This layered approach ensures that only meaningful price movements are captured, while random fluctuations are filtered out. In the context of cryptocurrency, where false breakouts are common due to low liquidity in certain altcoins, triple smoothing provides a more reliable basis for decision-making.

Calculating TRIX: Step-by-Step Breakdown

To fully grasp how TRIX works, it’s essential to walk through the calculation process. Here’s how you compute the TRIX indicator:

• Start with the closing prices of a crypto asset over a defined lookback period (e.g., 14 periods).
• Calculate the first EMA of these prices.
• Apply a second EMA to the values obtained from the first EMA.
• Perform a third EMA on the results of the second EMA.
• Once you have the triple-smoothed line, calculate the percentage change between the current value and the previous value.

This final percentage change becomes the TRIX line plotted on the chart. For example, if the triple-smoothed value today is 200 and yesterday was 198, then TRIX = (200 - 198) / 198 * 100 ≈ 1.01%.

In crypto charts, this line oscillates around a zero line, indicating bullish or bearish momentum depending on whether it’s above or below zero.

Interpreting TRIX Signals in Crypto Trading

Once you’ve plotted the TRIX indicator, interpreting its signals becomes crucial for actionable insights. Here’s what different readings mean:

• A positive TRIX value suggests increasing momentum and potential uptrend continuation.
• A negative TRIX value indicates weakening momentum and possible downtrend development.
• When the TRIX crosses above the zero line, it may signal a bullish shift.
• Conversely, when it crosses below zero, it could indicate a bearish reversal.

In highly volatile cryptocurrencies, such as Dogecoin or Shiba Inu, these crossovers can serve as early warning signs of trend exhaustion or reversal. Traders often combine TRIX with other indicators like RSI or MACD for confirmation before entering or exiting positions.

TRIX Divergence: A Powerful Tool for Predicting Reversals

One of the most valuable features of TRIX is divergence detection, which occurs when the price makes a new high or low, but TRIX does not confirm the move.

For instance:

• If Bitcoin reaches a new all-time high, but TRIX fails to reach a corresponding high, this bearish divergence might suggest that the rally is losing strength.
• Similarly, if Ethereum hits a new low but TRIX forms a higher low, this bullish divergence could hint at an imminent upward move.

Spotting divergences requires careful observation and comparison between price action and TRIX movement. In crypto markets, where sentiment shifts rapidly, recognizing these discrepancies can give traders an edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can TRIX be used effectively in sideways or range-bound crypto markets?

Yes, in range-bound conditions, TRIX tends to hover around the zero line, offering limited directional bias. Traders should avoid taking aggressive positions solely based on TRIX in such environments and instead wait for breakout confirmation.

Q2: How does TRIX compare to MACD in crypto trading?

While both are momentum indicators, TRIX applies triple smoothing, making it less prone to whipsaws than MACD. However, MACD offers additional components like the signal line and histogram, providing broader insight into trend strength and direction.

Q3: What settings are best for TRIX when trading altcoins?

Due to their higher volatility, altcoins often benefit from shorter TRIX periods. Many traders use 9 or 12-period TRIX settings for faster response to price swings, though this increases sensitivity to noise.

Q4: Is TRIX suitable for day trading cryptocurrencies?

Absolutely. TRIX’s ability to filter out market noise while capturing real momentum shifts makes it ideal for intraday strategies. Day traders often pair TRIX with volume indicators or candlestick patterns for better accuracy.