🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 185 (from laksa198)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa185.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/simple-vs-exponential-moving-averages\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/simple-vs-exponential-moving-averages\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/story\/simple-vs-exponential-moving-averages","crawl_time":1776624887,"first_indexed_time":1693461614,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,schwab!www,\/learn\/story\/simple-vs-exponential-moving-averages s443","src_root_hash":"12386545145768976185","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"A Moving Average: Simple vs. Exponential | Charles Schwab","meta_descriptions":["A moving average is a popular technical analysis study among traders. Learn how simple and exponential moving averages work."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Of the hundreds of technical analysis\n1\nstudies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox.\nMoving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag.\nSimple moving average\nAs the name might imply, the simple moving average\n2 \n(SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods.\nFor example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added.\nReady for a better trading platform?\nExponential moving average\nThe exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name.\nFor example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%. \nHere's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA:\n{2 \/ (time periods + 1) } = {2 \/ (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%)\nAn interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant.\nWhen to use each moving average\nWith moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading.\nThe same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts.\nThe SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator. \nThe chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established.\nSource: thinkorswim® platform\nFor illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.\nSome traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD)\n3\n, or the Relative Strength Index (RSI).\n1\nTechnical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines.\n2\nA simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days.\n3\nA moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal.\nReady for a better trading platform?\nMore from Charles Schwab","attrs_markdown":"Loading navigation\n\nMenu\n\n[Trading Tools](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/trading-tools)\n\n# Simple vs. Exponential Moving Averages\nBuild on your charting basics and try simple moving averages for long-term charts and exponential moving averages for short-term views.\n\nSeptember 2, 2025 • Beginner\n\n![](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/900x600.jpg?imwidth=3840)\n***\n\nOf the hundreds of technical analysis1 studies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox.\n\nMoving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag.\n## Simple moving average\nAs the name might imply, the simple moving average2 (SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods.\n\nFor example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added.\n***\n## Ready for a better trading platform?\n[Check out thinkorswim®](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/trading\/thinkorswim)\n***\n## Exponential moving average\nThe exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name.\n\nFor example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%.\n\nHere's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA:\n\n{2 \/ (time periods + 1) } = {2 \/ (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%)\n\nAn interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant.\n## When to use each moving average\nWith moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading.\n\nThe same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts.\n\nThe SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator.\n\nThe chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established.\n\n![Chart shows where the price fell below the EMA but not the SMA on the uptrend and where it was above the EMA but not the SMA on the downtrend.](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/moving-average-comparison-tt190514_f1r.png?imwidth=3840)\n\nSource: thinkorswim® platform\n\n*For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.*\n\nSome traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD)3, or the Relative Strength Index (RSI).\n\n1Technical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines.\n\n2A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days.\n\n3A moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal.\n***\n## Ready for a better trading platform?\n[Check out thinkorswim®](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/trading\/thinkorswim)\n***\n## More from Charles Schwab\n[![](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/BrandJ_30PT_Q322_Trading_1x1.jpg?imwidth=3840)Trading Amid Uncertainty Article \\| Apr 3, 2026](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/story\/trading-uncertain-market)\n\n[![](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/FA%205.3_CompanyDataTrends_Thumbnail_1-1.jpg?imwidth=3840)Growth Stock Data Trends Video \\| Apr 2, 2026](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/story\/understanding-growth-stock-data-trends)\n\n[![](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/FA4.30_StockScreener_Thumbnail_1-1.png?imwidth=3840)Screening for Value Stocks Video \\| Apr 2, 2026](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/story\/finding-value-stocks-using-stock-screener)\n\n## Explore more topics\n- [Trading](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/trading)\n- [Technical Analysis](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/technical-analysis)\n- [Trading Tools](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/trading-tools)\n\nThe information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.\n\nAll expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. 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More ways to invest how you want.\n  \n  [Explore ways to invest](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/invest-with-us)\n- Learn\n  - Insights & Education\n    - [Overview](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/)\n    - [Stocks](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/stocks)\n    - [ETFs](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/etfs)\n    - [Mutual Funds](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/mutual-funds)\n    - [Bonds](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/bonds)\n    - [Fixed Income](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/fixed-income)\n    - [Portfolio Management](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/portfolio-management)\n    - [Options](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/options)\n    - [Futures](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/futures)\n    - [Forex](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/forex)\n    - [Technical Analysis](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/technical-analysis)\n    - [Fundamental Analysis](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/fundamental-analysis)\n  - Trading\n    - [Overview](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/trading)\n    - [thinkorswim Demos](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/thinkorswim-demos)\n  - Market Commentary\n    - [Overview](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/market-commentary)\n    - [Government Policy](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/government-policy)\n    - [International](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/international)\n  - Planning & Retirement\n    - [New to Investing](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/new-to-investing)\n    - [Financial Planning](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/financial-planning)\n    - [College & Education](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/education)\n    - [Estate Planning](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/topic\/estate-planning)\n    - [Saving for Retirement](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/saving-for-retirement)\n    - [Living in Retirement](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/in-retirement)\n    - [Tax Planning](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/taxes)\n    - [Investing Principles](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/investing-principles)\n  - Media\n    - [Onward Magazine](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/onward)\n    - [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/learn\/podcasts)\n    - [Schwab Coaching](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/coaching)\n    - [Schwab Network](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/schwab-network)\n\n[Open an Account](https:\/\/www.schwab.com\/open-an-account)[Log In](https:\/\/client.schwab.com\/Login\/SignOn\/CustomerCenterLogin.aspx)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Of the hundreds of technical analysis1 studies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox. Moving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag.\n\nSimple moving average\n\nAs the name might imply, the simple moving average2 (SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods. For example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added.\n***\nReady for a better trading platform?\n***\nExponential moving average\n\nThe exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name. For example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%. Here's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA: {2 \/ (time periods + 1) } = {2 \/ (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%) An interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant.\n\nWhen to use each moving average\n\nWith moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading. The same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts. The SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator. The chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established.\n\n![Chart shows where the price fell below the EMA but not the SMA on the uptrend and where it was above the EMA but not the SMA on the downtrend.](https:\/\/educationcontent.schwab.com\/sites\/g\/files\/eyrktu1071\/files\/moving-average-comparison-tt190514_f1r.png?imwidth=3840)\n\nSource: thinkorswim® platform *For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.*\n\nSome traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD)3, or the Relative Strength Index (RSI).\n\n1Technical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines. 2A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days. 3A moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal.\n***\nReady for a better trading platform?\n***\nMore from Charles Schwab","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Finance\":997,\"\/Finance\/Investing\":990,\"\/Finance\/Investing\/Brokerages_and_Day_Trading\":517}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":991,\"\/Article\/Tutorial_or_Guide\":625}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1693461614,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1628","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"822","body_ext_links_number":10,"body_int_links_number":125,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":643,"download_ttfb_msec":475,"download_size":84809}

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A Moving Average: Simple vs. Exponential | Charles Schwab

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A moving average is a popular technical analysis study among traders. Learn how simple and exponential moving averages work.

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Of the hundreds of technical analysis 1 studies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox. Moving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag. Simple moving average As the name might imply, the simple moving average 2 (SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods. For example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added. Ready for a better trading platform? Exponential moving average The exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name. For example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%. Here's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA: {2 / (time periods + 1) } = {2 / (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%) An interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant. When to use each moving average With moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading. The same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts. The SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator. The chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established. Source: thinkorswim® platform For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Some traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD) 3 , or the Relative Strength Index (RSI). 1 Technical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines. 2 A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days. 3 A moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal. Ready for a better trading platform? More from Charles Schwab

Markdown

Loading navigation Menu [Trading Tools](https://www.schwab.com/learn/topic/trading-tools) # Simple vs. Exponential Moving Averages Build on your charting basics and try simple moving averages for long-term charts and exponential moving averages for short-term views. September 2, 2025 • Beginner ![](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/900x600.jpg?imwidth=3840) *** Of the hundreds of technical analysis1 studies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox. Moving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag. ## Simple moving average As the name might imply, the simple moving average2 (SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods. For example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added. *** ## Ready for a better trading platform? [Check out thinkorswim®](https://www.schwab.com/trading/thinkorswim) *** ## Exponential moving average The exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name. For example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%. Here's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA: {2 / (time periods + 1) } = {2 / (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%) An interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant. ## When to use each moving average With moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading. The same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts. The SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator. The chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established. ![Chart shows where the price fell below the EMA but not the SMA on the uptrend and where it was above the EMA but not the SMA on the downtrend.](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/moving-average-comparison-tt190514_f1r.png?imwidth=3840) Source: thinkorswim® platform *For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.* Some traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD)3, or the Relative Strength Index (RSI). 1Technical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines. 2A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days. 3A moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal. *** ## Ready for a better trading platform? [Check out thinkorswim®](https://www.schwab.com/trading/thinkorswim) *** ## More from Charles Schwab [![](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/BrandJ_30PT_Q322_Trading_1x1.jpg?imwidth=3840)Trading Amid Uncertainty Article \| Apr 3, 2026](https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/trading-uncertain-market) [![](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/FA%205.3_CompanyDataTrends_Thumbnail_1-1.jpg?imwidth=3840)Growth Stock Data Trends Video \| Apr 2, 2026](https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/understanding-growth-stock-data-trends) [![](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/FA4.30_StockScreener_Thumbnail_1-1.png?imwidth=3840)Screening for Value Stocks Video \| Apr 2, 2026](https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/finding-value-stocks-using-stock-screener) ## Explore more topics - [Trading](https://www.schwab.com/learn/topic/trading) - [Technical Analysis](https://www.schwab.com/learn/topic/technical-analysis) - [Trading Tools](https://www.schwab.com/learn/topic/trading-tools) The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve. 0825-PKCF Investment and Insurance Products Are: Not FDIC Insured • Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or any of its Affiliates • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of Principal Amount Invested The Charles Schwab Corporation provides a full range of brokerage, banking and financial advisory services through its operating subsidiaries. Its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. ([Member SIPC](http://www.sipc.org/)), and its affiliates offer investment services and products. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides deposit and lending services and products. This site is designed for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents are subject to country-specific restrictions. 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Readable Markdown

Of the hundreds of technical analysis1 studies and indicators available for traders, perhaps none is more widely used than the moving average. Guess what? There are several types of moving averages based on different calculations. Understanding which moving average to use and when to use it is important to understand before adding moving averages to your charting basics toolbox. Moving averages smooth price data to form a trend-following technical indicator. They do not predict price direction; instead, they define the current direction with a lag. Simple moving average As the name might imply, the simple moving average2 (SMA) is the most basic form of this technical indicator. For stocks, it's calculated by adding all closing prices for a specific number of time periods, then dividing that total by the number of periods. For example, if a trader wanted to find the current 10-day SMA of a stock, they'd add up each of the closing prices for the last 10 days and then divide by 10. With each new day moving forward, the first day of that 10-day series would be dropped from the calculation and the new day would be added. *** Ready for a better trading platform? *** Exponential moving average The exponential moving average (EMA) is the more sophisticated cousin to the SMA. The calculation starts out the same as the SMA but is modified so the most recent data points in the series have more weight than the older ones. As fresher data points become stale, their weighting in the calculation decreases exponentially—hence the name. For example, in a 10-day EMA, the most recent data point would count as 18.2% of the total calculation, but the oldest would count as only 3%. Here's how to calculate the multiplier for the 10-day EMA: {2 / (time periods + 1) } = {2 / (10 + 1) } = 0.1818 (18.18%) An interesting quirk of the EMA is that only about 87% of the data used to calculate the indicator is taken from the actual number of charted price bars in the length of the average. Because of the nature of the exponential decay, data for an EMA is taken from an infinite amount of historical periods. Although for all practical purposes, once it moves beyond two times the length of the average, the weighting is so infinitesimal that it's irrelevant. When to use each moving average With moving averages in general, the longer the time period, the slower it is to react to price movement. But everything else being equal, an EMA will track price more closely than an SMA. Because of this, the EMA is typically considered more appropriate in short-term trading. The same characteristics that make the EMA better suited for short-term trading limit its effectiveness when it comes to the long term. Although the EMA will move with price sooner than the SMA, it often gets whipsawed, making it less than ideal for triggering entries and exits on daily charts. The SMA, with its built-in lag, tends to smooth price action over time, making it a good trend indicator—staying long when price is above the average and flat (or short) when it's below. A simple moving average can also be effective as a support and resistance indicator. The chart below compares both types of averages applied to one individual stock, showing how the EMA (yellow line) tracked price slightly better than the SMA (blue line), although both provide support for the general trend. On occasion, however, the EMA generated a false breakout signal. Using the SMA, the signal comes only after the trend is fully re-established. ![Chart shows where the price fell below the EMA but not the SMA on the uptrend and where it was above the EMA but not the SMA on the downtrend.](https://educationcontent.schwab.com/sites/g/files/eyrktu1071/files/moving-average-comparison-tt190514_f1r.png?imwidth=3840) Source: thinkorswim® platform *For illustrative purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.* Some traders like to use moving averages in conjunction with other technical indicators and overlays to get a more comprehensive picture. For example, traders can consider experimenting with a moving average and a momentum indicator like the stochastic oscillator, moving average convergence divergence (MACD)3, or the Relative Strength Index (RSI). 1Technical analysis examines historical trading data, such as price and volume data, to identify previous chart patterns with the hope of anticipating stock price movements. Some technical analysis tools include moving averages, oscillators, and trendlines. 2A simple moving average (SMA) is a technical indicator that's calculated by adding the closing price of a stock or other security over a specific period of time and dividing the total by the appropriate number of trading days. For example, a 20-day SMA is the average closing price over the previous 20 days. 3A moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is an oscillator in which entry and exit signals trigger when the indicator moves above or below the zero line. When the indicator is below the zero line and moves above it, this is a bullish signal. A move below the line is a bearish signal. *** Ready for a better trading platform? *** More from Charles Schwab

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