Internal Bar Strength (IBS) Indicator
Info
The Internal Bar Strength (IBS) Indicator is a Indicator for MetaTrader 5 that the internal bar strength (ibs) indicator calculates a moving average of the bars' inner strength values, representing the following equation for each bar:usage:a five-bar period is commonly used. Crossings above 60% indicate overbuying, while crossings below 40% signal overselling, providing buying and selling signals, respectively.
Usage
This tool is typically used for enhancing chart analysis and decision making.
Platform
This Indicator works exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (both build 600+ and newer versions).
Setup
Place the downloaded file in MQL5/Indicators folder via File ? Open Data Folder in MetaTrader 5.
How to Install and Use Internal Bar Strength (IBS) Indicator
1. Installation: Place your file in the MQL/Indicators folder via "Open Data Folder" and restart your terminal.
2. Loading: Find the indicator in the Navigator, drag it onto your chart, and configure the input parameters in the popup window.
3. Customization: Press Ctrl+I to open the indicator list, select your tool, and click "Properties" to change colors, levels, or visual styles.
4. Updating: Replace the old file in the Indicators folder with the new version and restart the platform to apply changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my indicator not showing? A: Verify the file is in the MQL/Indicators folder, or try right-clicking the "Indicators" tree in the Navigator and clicking "Refresh."
Q: Do custom indicators slow down the platform? A: Too many complex indicators can impact performance; remove unused ones via the "Indicator List" (Ctrl+I).
Q: Can I use MT4 indicators on MT5? A: No, MQL4 and MQL5 are distinct languages; ensure the indicator is compiled specifically for your platform version.
What this tool does
The Internal Bar Strength (IBS) indicator calculates a moving average of the bars' inner strength values, representing the following equation for each bar:Usage:A five-bar period is commonly used.
Typical Use Case
This Indicator excels in automated trading and technical analysis on MetaTrader 5.
Compatible Platform & Setup
This Indicator works on MetaTrader 5. Place the file in the MQL5/Indicators folder and restart the terminal.
Description & Settings
Related: Quantora Candle Strength Analyzer MT5: Price Action and Wick Analysis - another powerful indicator for MetaTrader 5 traders.
The Internal Bar Strength (IBS) indicator calculates a moving average of the bars' inner strength values, representing the following equation for each bar:Also recommended: Volume Strength Compass by Bhanu Code Lab - similar indicator with strong performance on MetaTrader 5.
Usage:
A five-bar period is commonly used. Crossings above 60% indicate overbuying, while crossings below 40% signal overselling, providing buying and selling signals, respectively.
Input Parameters:
This indicator offers various smoothing methods:
- Simple Moving Average
- Exponential Moving Average
- Smoothed Moving Average
- Linear Weighted Moving Average
- JMA Adaptive Average
- Ultralinear Smoothing
- Parabolic Smoothing
- Tillson's Multiple Exponential Smoothing
- Tushar Chande's Algorithm Smoothing
- Perry Kaufman's Algorithm Smoothing
Note that phase-type parameters vary significantly among different smoothing algorithms. For JMA, it's an external phase variable ranging from -100 to +100. For T3, it represents a smoothing ratio multiplied by 100 for visualization purposes. For VIDYA, it's a CMO oscillator period, and for AMA, it's a slow EMA period. These parameters do not affect smoothing in other algorithms. In AMA, the fast EMA period is fixed at 2, and the ratio of raising to the power is also set to 2.
The indicator utilizes the smoothalgorithms.mqh library classes, which should be copied to the terminal_data_folder\mql5\include. The implementation and usage of these classes are detailed in the referenced article.
This indicator was initially introduced in MQL4 in 2026.
You may also like: multi-timeframe relative strength index (mtf rsi) indicator for mt4/mt5 - excellent alternative for indicator users on MetaTrader 5.
Source Code
#property copyright "robotfx"
#property link "https://robotfx.org"
#property description "this code is educational. feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. visit robotfx.org for professional trading tools"
#property version "1.00"
#property indicator_separate_window
#property indicator_buffers 1
#property indicator_plots 1
#property indicator_type1 draw_line
#property indicator_color1 dodgerblue
#property indicator_style1 style_solid.......
⚠ Limitations & Risk Warning
- This tool is provided for educational and testing purposes only.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Use on a demo account first.
- Results may vary depending on market conditions, broker, and settings.
- We recommend thorough backtesting and forward testing before using with real funds.