Technical analysis · Intermediate

Ichimoku Cloud Basics

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 Ichimoku Cloud is a multi-part indicator that combines several moving-average-style lines into a single view of trend direction, momentum, and support or resistance, all in one overlay. Its main components are the Tenkan-sen (conversion line), Kijun-sen (base line), two leading spans that form the shaded "cloud" (Kumo), and a lagging span that plots the current close shifted backward.

The Ichimoku Cloud is a multi-part indicator that combines several moving-average-style lines into a single view of trend direction, momentum, and support or resistance, all in one overlay.

Its main components are the Tenkan-sen (conversion line), Kijun-sen (base line), two leading spans that form the shaded "cloud" (Kumo), and a lagging span that plots the current close shifted backward.

Finish this lesson in the MarketPro app

2 more sections of Ichimoku Cloud Basics, 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.

The cloud: Price trading above the cloud is generally read as a bullish backdrop, below the cloud as bearish, and inside the cloud as a transitional or uncertain phase.
Cloud thickness: A thicker cloud is viewed as a stronger support/resistance zone than a thin one.
Line crosses: A Tenkan-sen cross above the Kijun-sen is often watched similarly to a short/long moving average crossover.

Because Ichimoku layers several signals at once, it can look complex to a new trader, and it is usually best learned one component at a time rather than all at once. Like other trend tools built from averages, it lags live price and works better in trending conditions than in tight, choppy ranges.

Lesson 16 of 26 in Technical analysis

PreviousOn-Balance Volume (OBV) NextPivot Points

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.

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.