Indicators · Intermediate

ADX And Measuring Trend Strength

A 1-minute lesson from the MarketPro academy, one of 22 in trading indicators.

Last reviewed 15 September 2026 by the MarketPro research desk · Editorial policy

Short answer

The Average Directional Index (ADX) measures how strong a trend is, without indicating which direction that trend is moving — it answers "is there a trend worth following" rather than "which way should I trade." ADX is plotted on a scale typically from 0 to 100, though readings above 50 are uncommon. Low readings (often cited as below 20-25) suggest a weak or absent trend, while higher readings suggest a stronger trend is in place.

Interpreting ADX Readings

ADX is plotted on a scale typically from 0 to 100, though readings above 50 are uncommon. Low readings (often cited as below 20-25) suggest a weak or absent trend, while higher readings suggest a stronger trend is in place. ADX is usually paired with two directional lines (+DI and -DI) that indicate which direction currently has the upper hand.

Finish this lesson in the MarketPro app

2 more sections of ADX And Measuring Trend Strength, plus all 320 lessons, the quizzes that check each one landed, and the streak that keeps you coming back. All of it is free on any account, including a free one. There is no paywall inside the academy.

Scan with your phone camera to install MarketPro and open this lesson.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Free account, no card. The academy has no paywall inside the app.

Not investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

A rising ADX alongside +DI above -DI is commonly read as a strengthening uptrend; the reverse suggests a strengthening downtrend
A low, flat ADX reading is often used as a filter to avoid trend-following strategies during range-bound, choppy conditions where such strategies tend to underperform
ADX can remain elevated even as a trend is nearing exhaustion, since it measures strength of directional movement rather than predicting reversals

Because ADX is a lagging, moving-average-based calculation, it confirms trend strength after it has developed rather than in advance. It is commonly used as a filter alongside other trend or momentum tools — for example, only taking moving average crossover signals when ADX confirms a trend is actually present — rather than as a standalone entry signal.

Lesson 10 of 22 in Trading indicators

PreviousIchimoku Cloud: A First Look NextPivot Points For Intraday Levels

Run the numbers while this is fresh

The arithmetic in this category has a free calculator on this site, no sign-up and nothing leaves your browser: Pivot points calculator, Fibonacci calculator, Position size calculator.

Written and reviewed by the MarketPro research desk

MarketPro is a trading-signal and trading-education app operated by Harajuku Holdings LTD (Cyprus). Our signal desk publishes and tracks every trade idea in-app, and every page here is checked against the app's live behaviour before publishing. Last reviewed 15 September 2026. How we produce signals and content · About MarketPro

Trade · Learn · Earn

The whole academy is free in the app

All 320 lessons, 12 guided paths, quizzes and a daily streak. Free on every account, with vetted free signals alongside it.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Not investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.