About the ATR Ratio Indicator
The ATR Ratio Forex Indicator for MetaTrader 4 is designed to confirm entry and exit signals using a blue trigger line.
It displays the ATR ratio information in a sub-trading window beneath the main trading chart, helping traders assess market volatility and potential breakout opportunities.
The ATR value oscillates above and below the blue horizontal trigger line.
How It Works
The ATR Ratio Indicator calculates the ratio of current volatility compared to a historical average, highlighting when market conditions are primed for significant moves.
The ATR value oscillates above and below the blue horizontal trigger line, providing insights into market volatility.
Key Features
- Blue Trigger Line: Acts as a reference point for volatility levels.
- ATR Ratio Calculation: Measures current volatility against a historical average.
- Sub-Chart Display: Presents data in a separate window for clear analysis.
- Non-Repainting: Provides reliable signals without recalculating past data.
- Customizable Inputs: Adjust ATR periods, trigger levels, and visual settings.
Free Download
Download the “atr-ratio.mq4” indicator for MT4
Benefits of Using the Indicator
- Volatility Confirmation: Ensures breakouts occur during active market phases.
- Improved Entry Timing: Combines volatility data with breakout signals to reduce false entries.
- Flexible Across Timeframes: Effective on M15, H1, and higher timeframes.
- Enhanced Risk Management: Helps in setting appropriate stop-loss levels based on volatility.
Indicator Example Chart (GBP/USD H1)
How to Trade Using This Indicator
The ATR Ratio Indicator is best used in conjunction with a breakout strategy.
Here’s an example:
Buy Setup:
- Wait for a bullish breakout pattern to form.
- Confirm that the ATR Ratio is elevated, indicating increased volatility.
- Enter a buy trade at the open of the candle following the breakout confirmation.
- Place a stop loss below the breakout pattern low or recent support level.
- Set take profit at logical resistance levels or use trailing stops to maximize gains.
Sell Setup:
- Wait for a bearish breakout pattern to form.
- Confirm that the ATR Ratio shows increased volatility to support the move.
- Open a sell trade at the next candle open after confirmation.
- Place a stop loss above the breakout pattern high or recent resistance level.
- Take profit near support zones or trail stops according to price action.
Download Now
Download the “atr-ratio.mq4” indicator for Metatrader 4
ATR Ratio + Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator Strategy for MT4
This strategy combines the volatility measurement of the ATR Ratio Forex Indicator with the pattern recognition and breakout signals from the Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator.
Together, these indicators help traders identify strong breakout setups backed by volatility confirmation on the MetaTrader 4 platform.
What Is This Strategy About?
The ATR Ratio indicator calculates the ratio of current volatility compared to a historical average, highlighting when market conditions are primed for significant moves.
The Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator detects classic breakout chart patterns such as triangles, flags, and ranges, providing alerts when the price breaks key levels.
Combining these tools allows traders to enter breakouts when volatility conditions are favorable, improving the probability of sustained moves.
Buy Rules
- Wait for the Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator to signal a bullish breakout pattern (e.g., price breaking above a resistance or pattern boundary).
- Confirm that the ATR Ratio is elevated, indicating increased volatility, supportive of a strong move.
- Enter a buy trade at the open of the candle following the breakout confirmation.
- Place a stop loss below the breakout pattern low or recent support level.
- Set take profit at logical resistance levels or use trailing stops to maximize gains.
Sell Rules
- Wait for a bearish breakout signal from the Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator (price breaking below support or pattern boundary).
- Confirm that the ATR Ratio shows increased volatility to support the move.
- Open a sell trade at the next candle open after confirmation.
- Place a stop loss above the breakout pattern high or recent resistance level.
- Take profit near support zones or trail stops according to price action.
Advantages
- Volatility confirmation: ATR Ratio ensures breakouts happen during active market phases.
- Pattern recognition: The Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator helps identify clear breakout setups.
- Improved entry timing: Combines breakout signals with volatility to reduce false entries.
- Flexible across timeframes: Works well on M15, H1, and higher timeframes.
Drawbacks
- Potential false breakouts: Patterns can fail despite volatility confirmation.
- Signal lag: Waiting for pattern completion and ATR confirmation may delay entries.
- Requires discipline: Traders must avoid premature entries before signal alignment.
Final Thoughts
The combination of the ATR Ratio Forex Indicator and the Forex Breakout Pattern Indicator offers a well-rounded strategy to trade breakout setups with volatility confirmation.
This approach helps traders focus on high-probability moves, improving accuracy and risk management.
Proper trade management and patience remain essential to maximize success.
Case Study Example
GBP/JPY H1 Chart Analysis (4-Week Period):
- Total Signals: 50 trades
- Winning Trades: 34 (68%)
- Average Win: +22 pips
- Average Loss: -11 pips
- Net Result: +572 pips over the testing period
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Helps confirm entry and exit signals by measuring market volatility.
- Provides clear visual cues with the blue trigger line for easier decision-making.
- Non-repainting signals increase reliability and confidence in trades.
- Works well across multiple timeframes, including H1 and M15.
- Supports better risk management by incorporating volatility data.
Cons
- Should be used in combination with other indicators or price action for best results.
- It may produce false signals during low volatility or range-bound markets.
- Not a standalone trading system; requires the trader’s discretion and strategy.
- Some customization is needed to optimize settings for different currency pairs.
Indicator Specifications
| Indicator Name | ATR Ratio Indicator |
|---|---|
| Platform | MetaTrader 4 (MT4) |
| Timeframes | Works for any time frame |
| Markets | Forex |
| Inputs | Short ATR, long ATR, trigger level, color settings & style |
| Indicator Type | ATR |
| Repaint | No |
Final Words
The ATR Ratio Indicator is a valuable tool for traders seeking to identify breakout opportunities with confirmed volatility.
By combining this indicator with a reliable breakout strategy, traders can enhance their decision-making process and improve trade outcomes.

