Technical analysis · Intermediate

Average Directional Index (ADX)

A 1-minute lesson from the MarketPro academy, one of 26 in technical analysis.

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

Short answer

The Average Directional Index (ADX) measures the strength of a trend, without indicating its direction, on a scale typically running from 0 to 100. ADX is derived from two related lines, the positive and negative directional indicators (+DI and -DI), which show whether upward or downward price movement is currently dominant, while the ADX line itself summarizes how strong that directional movement is.

The Average Directional Index (ADX) measures the strength of a trend, without indicating its direction, on a scale typically running from 0 to 100.

ADX is derived from two related lines, the positive and negative directional indicators (+DI and -DI), which show whether upward or downward price movement is currently dominant, while the ADX line itself summarizes how strong that directional movement is.

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Low ADX (below ~20): Suggests a weak or absent trend, often associated with range-bound, choppy conditions.
Rising ADX above ~25: Suggests a strengthening trend, regardless of whether it is up or down.
+DI/-DI crossovers: A cross of +DI above -DI, or vice versa, is sometimes combined with a rising ADX to gauge both direction and strength together.

Because ADX only measures strength, not direction, it is typically paired with a directional tool like price structure, moving averages, or the DI lines themselves. Trend-strength readings can also lag real-time shifts, since the underlying formula smooths recent price action over multiple periods.

Lesson 23 of 26 in Technical analysis

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