Price Versus Moving Averages

These filters measure the signed percentage distance between current close and EMA or SMA.

What this is

price_vs_ema_pct and price_vs_sma_pct calculate (close - moving average) / moving average * 100 . Positive values mean price is above the average; negative values mean it is below.

When to use it

Use these filters for trend bias, pullback depth, overextension, or a price crossing of a moving average. They remain comparable across instruments with different price levels.

Before you start

- Both filters default to period: 20 and value 0 .

- Operators are above , below , cross_above , and cross_below .

- 0 represents price exactly at the moving average.

- EMA reacts faster; SMA provides a more evenly weighted baseline.

Step by step

Step 1: Choose EMA or SMA

Choose EMA for a more responsive reference or SMA for a steadier one. Keep the choice aligned with the strategy idea.

Step 2: Set period and timeframe

Together these settings define the baseline duration. A longer period or timeframe produces slower changes.

Step 3: Define the distance condition

Use above 0 for price above the average and below 0 for price below. Use a positive or negative nonzero value to require distance. Use crossing zero only when the crossing event matters.

What you should see

A value of 1.5 means close is approximately 1.5% above the selected average. A value of -1.5 means it is approximately 1.5% below.

Common mistakes

- entering a quote price instead of a percentage

- using cross_above 0 when a persistent above 0 condition is needed

- treating a large distance as automatic continuation rather than possible overextension

- stacking EMA and SMA distance rules that express nearly the same condition

- Filters Reference

- EMA

- SMA

- Parabolic SAR And Price Versus Supertrend