About the Bar Timer Indicator
The Bar Timer indicator for MT4 is a practical utility tool that displays how much time remains before the current candle closes and a new bar opens.
Instead of showing time in seconds, it presents the remaining duration as a percentage, making it quick to read at a glance.
This indicator works across all currency pairs and timeframes, from fast scalping charts to higher-timeframe swing setups.
By knowing exactly where a candle stands in its lifecycle, traders can avoid entering trades too late or reacting prematurely before a candle closes.
The Bar Timer does not generate buy or sell signals on its own.
Traders often use it alongside price action strategies or signal-based indicators to confirm entries at candle close, rather than during incomplete price movement.
Free Download
Download the “bartimer.mq4” MT4 indicator
Key Features
- Displays remaining candle time as a clear percentage value.
- Works on all currency pairs and chart timeframes.
- Helps avoid late or premature trade entries.
- Highly customizable display position and appearance.
- Lightweight tool that does not affect chart performance.
Indicator Chart
The Bar Timer indicator chart shows a percentage counter placed on the price chart.
It updates in real time to reflect how much of the current candle has completed.
Guide to Trade with Bar Timer Indicator
Buy Rules
- Wait for your primary trading signal to appear on the chart.
- Check that the Bar Timer shows the candle is near completion.
- Enter a buy trade only as the candle approaches its close.
- Avoid entering buys when the candle has just opened.
Sell Rules
- Wait for your primary sell signal from your strategy.
- Confirm the Bar Timer shows high candle completion.
- Enter a sell trade near the candle close.
- Avoid reacting to early candle fluctuations.
Stop Loss
- For buy trades, set the stop loss below a nearby price reaction low.
- For sell trades, place the stop loss above a nearby price reaction high.
Take Profit
- Close trades when your strategy signals an exit.
- Alternatively, target a predefined support or resistance area.
- Manage profits actively on lower timeframes.
Bar Timer + Best Forex Scalping Indicator MT4 Strategy
This strategy combines the Bar Timer MT4 Indicator and the Best Forex Scalping Indicator.
It is designed for fast entries on M1 and M5 charts.
The Bar Timer helps you anticipate candle closing time by showing the percentage left before the next candle forms.
The scalping indicator provides direct buy and sell arrows, offering quick confirmation.
This combination gives traders precise timing for entries and exits, especially during volatile sessions.
The method works well for traders who enjoy fast paced scalping and prefer simple, clear signals without complex analysis.
The Bar Timer keeps you aware of upcoming candle closes so you can enter at the right moment and avoid premature signals.
Buy Entry Rules
- Wait for the Best Forex Scalping Indicator to print a blue arrow pointing upward.
- Check the Bar Timer and allow the candle to close once the percentage is near completion.
- Enter a buy position at the opening of the next candle.
- Place a stop loss a few pips below the most recent swing low or use a small fixed stop suitable for M1 or M5.
- Take profit at 5 to 15 pips depending on volatility or close earlier if the indicator signals a reversal.
Sell Entry Rules
- Wait for the scalping indicator to display a red arrow pointing downward.
- Watch the Bar Timer and wait until the candle is nearly complete.
- Enter a sell position at the open of the next candle.
- Put a stop loss a few pips above the last swing high or use a fixed stop suited for fast scalping.
- Take profit at 5 to 15 pips or exit when a new opposite signal appears.
Advantages
- Very easy to use with simple arrow signals and precise candle timing.
- Ideal for fast scalping on M1 and M5 charts.
- Helps avoid entering too early by waiting for the candle close.
- Effective on major pairs with tight spreads.
Drawbacks
- Scalping requires focus and quick execution.
- Requires a stable internet connection due to rapid price changes.
Example Case Study 1 (USDJPY M1)
During the Tokyo session, the Best Forex Scalping Indicator produced a blue arrow at a short pullback.
The Bar Timer showed the candle was 90 percent complete, so the trader waited.
At the next candle open, a buy trade was taken.
Within minutes, USDJPY moved upward and reached a 7 pip profit target before slowing down.
The timing accuracy from the Bar Timer helped avoid entering early during the forming candle.
Example Case Study 2 (GBPUSD M5)
Later in the London session, GBPUSD formed a red arrow from the scalping indicator.
The Bar Timer indicated 85 percent candle completion.
A sell order was placed at the next candle open.
The pair dropped quickly due to session volatility, allowing the trade to hit a 12 pip target.
This setup showed how both tools work smoothly together for controlled scalping entries.
Strategy Tips
- Always allow the candle to close before entering; the Bar Timer ensures proper timing.
- Focus on major pairs like EURUSD, GBPUSD, USDJPY and EURJPY for cleaner scalping movement.
- Use small and consistent stop losses because scalping relies on controlled risk.
- If the candle closes too weakly even with an arrow, skip the trade and wait for the next clean signal.
Download Now
Download the “bartimer.mq4” Metatrader 4 indicator
FAQ
Can the display position be changed?
Yes, traders can adjust X and Y distance, screen corner, font size, and color directly from the indicator settings.
Is this indicator useful for scalping?
Yes, scalpers often rely on precise candle timing.
The Bar Timer helps them enter trades closer to candle close for better confirmation.
Does it work on higher timeframes?
It works on all timeframes, including H1, H4, and daily charts.
The percentage display adapts automatically to the selected timeframe.
Summary
The Bar Timer indicator for MT4 is a simple but effective tool for traders who value timing and execution.
By showing candle progress as a percentage, it removes guesswork from decision-making.
This indicator fits any trading style, from scalping to swing trading, and integrates easily with existing strategies.
Its customization options allow it to blend naturally into any chart layout.
While it does not generate signals, the Bar Timer improves discipline and consistency.
Used correctly, it helps traders act at the right moment rather than reacting too early.
