What is ta.rma() in Pine Script?

ta.rma() implements Wilder smoothing: each step updates a running average with alpha = 1/length. It matches the smoothing convention used in many classic technical analysis formulas.

How is RMA related to RSI?

The standard RSI averages gains and losses with Wilder smoothing. In Pine Script, ta.rsi uses that convention internally; understanding ta.rma() helps when you replicate or extend RSI-style logic.

What is the difference between ta.rma() and ta.ema()?

Both are recursive smoothers, but they use different alpha: EMA uses 2/(length+1) while RMA uses 1/length. RMA is slower to adapt for the same nominal length and matches Wilder-type indicator specs.

Moving AveragesPine Script v6

`ta.rma()`

Relative Moving Average (Wilder's Smoothing)

Computes Wilder's smoothing (relative moving average, RMA): an exponential-style average with alpha = 1 / length. It is the smoothing method used inside classic indicators such as RSI and ATR.

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Syntax

ta.rma(source, length) → series float

Arguments

Parameter	Type	Description
source	series int/float	Series of values to process.
length	simple int	Smoothing length; alpha = 1 / length.

Returns

Exponential moving average of source with alpha = 1 / length.

Remarks

na values in the source series are ignored.

Code Examples

Pine Script v6 Example

//@version=6
indicator("ta.rma")
plot(ta.rma(close, 15))

//the same on pine
pine_rma(src, length) =>
    alpha = 1/length
    sum = 0.0
    sum := na(sum[1]) ? ta.sma(src, length) : alpha * src + (1 - alpha) * nz(sum[1])
plot(pine_rma(close, 15))

Trading Applications

Foundation for RSI calculation (used internally by ta.rsi)

Smoother than EMA with less sensitivity to price spikes

Calculate Average True Range (ATR) components

Build Wilder's directional movement indicators

Related Functions

ta.sma ta.ema ta.wma ta.vwma ta.swma ta.alma

Frequently Asked Questions

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`ta.rma()`

Syntax

Arguments

Returns

Remarks

Code Examples

Trading Applications

Related Functions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Pine Script Functions

ta.sma() - Simple Moving Average

ta.ema() - Exponential Moving Average

ta.rsi() - Relative Strength Index

ta.atr() - Average True Range

ta.hma() - Hull Moving Average