How to Use the On Balance Volume Indicator on TradingView

TradingView is one of the most powerful and accessible charting platforms available. If you’re a trader using OBV, knowing how to properly apply and interpret the On Balance Volume indicator on TradingView is essential.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to add, customize, and trade with OBV on TradingView effectively.

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Step 1: Open a Chart on TradingView

1. Go to tradingview.com
2. Log in or create a free account
3. Open the chart of any asset (stocks, forex, crypto, etc.)

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Step 2: Add the OBV Indicator

1. Click on the “Indicators” icon at the top of the chart
2. Type “On Balance Volume” in the search bar
3. Select “On Balance Volume” under the built-in indicators
4. It will appear as a line chart below your price chart

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Step 3: Customize the OBV Indicator (Optional)

To improve visibility:

1. Click the OBV line → Settings (gear icon)
2. Under “Style,” change:
   • Line color
   • Line thickness
3. Under “Visibility,” choose the timeframes where OBV should appear

Pro Tip: Save your chart as a template for future use.

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Step 4: Read OBV to Make Trade Decisions

Use OBV to:

• Confirm trend strength
• Spot bullish/bearish divergence
• Validate breakouts or breakdowns

Example:

• OBV rising + price rising = bullish trend confirmation
• OBV falling while price rises = bearish divergence

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Step 5: Combine OBV with Other Tools

For higher accuracy, use OBV with:

• RSI for overbought/oversold confirmation
• MACD for trend direction
• Support/resistance lines for breakout trades

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Example OBV Strategy on TradingView

• Asset: BTC/USD
• Price is consolidating at resistance
• OBV breaks above previous high
• Price breaks out → Enter trade
• Use recent swing low as stop-loss

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OBV Alerts on TradingView

While TradingView doesn’t offer OBV-specific alerts by default, you can:

• Create Pine Script alerts for OBV levels or crossovers
• Or use manual alerts based on visual OBV zones

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Final Thoughts

Using the OBV indicator on TradingView is simple and effective. It helps you see the volume strength behind price moves, improving trade timing and decision-making. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, OBV on TradingView can be a reliable part of your analysis routine.

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FAQs

1. Is OBV available in free TradingView accounts?
Yes, OBV is part of the default built-in indicators.

2. Can I save my OBV setup on TradingView?
Yes. Save your chart layout with OBV and reuse it anytime.

3. Does TradingView show OBV divergence automatically?
No, but you can spot divergence visually or via custom scripts.

4. What assets can I use OBV on in TradingView?
Any asset with volume—stocks, crypto, forex, indices.

5. Can I get OBV alerts on TradingView?
Not by default, but they can be built using Pine Script.