What is ta.sma() in Pine Script?

ta.sma() is the built-in function for a simple moving average. For each bar it averages the source values over the most recent length bars, giving an equal weight to each bar in the window.

How do I use ta.sma() for a trading strategy?

Common patterns include comparing close to an SMA for trend bias, using two SMAs of different lengths and trading crossovers, or requiring price to be above/below an SMA before allowing entries. Combine with risk rules and other filters rather than using SMAs alone.

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

SMA gives equal weight to all bars in the window. EMA uses exponential smoothing (alpha = 2 / (length + 1)), so recent prices influence the result more. EMA reacts faster; SMA is smoother and slower to turn.

Moving AveragesPine Script v6

`ta.sma()`

Simple Moving Average

Computes the simple moving average (SMA): the arithmetic mean of the source series over the last length bars. It is one of the most common ways to smooth price and measure trend.

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Syntax

ta.sma(source, length) → series float

Arguments

Parameter	Type	Description
source	series int/float	Series of values to process.
length	series int	Number of bars (length).

Returns

Simple moving average of source for length bars back.

Remarks

na values in the source series are ignored.

Code Examples

Pine Script v6 Example

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

// same on pine, but much less efficient
pine_sma(x, y) =>
    sum = 0.0
    for i = 0 to y - 1
        sum := sum + x[i] / y
    sum
plot(pine_sma(close, 15))

Trading Applications

Identify trend direction by comparing price to SMA

Use SMA crossovers (e.g., 50/200 golden cross) for entry/exit signals

Smooth noisy price data for clearer trend visualization

Define dynamic support and resistance levels

Related Functions

ta.ema ta.rma ta.wma ta.vwma ta.swma ta.alma

Frequently Asked Questions

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`ta.sma()`

Syntax

Arguments

Returns

Remarks

Code Examples

Trading Applications

Related Functions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Related Pine Script Functions

ta.ema() - Exponential Moving Average

ta.wma() - Weighted Moving Average

ta.rma() - Relative Moving Average

ta.hma() - Hull Moving Average

ta.vwma() - Volume Weighted Moving Average