How to make indicator and signal calculation results the same

Signal calculation values are often compared to the indicator plot using the same function. In order to have relevant results for comparison, you need to follow this simple guide to make indicator and signal calculation results the same.

Make sure the signal and indicator have the same settings:

• First, base the calculation of the studies on the same amount of bars.

1. To set the number of bars that the signal will reference:
   1. Click Format in the main menu of MultiCharts;
   2. Select Strategy Properties;
   3. Turn to the Properties tab;
   4. In Maximum number of bars study will reference the default value is 50 bars.
      
2. To set the same value for the indicator:
   1. Click Format in the main menu of MultiCharts;
   2. Select Studies;
   3. Highlight your indicator;
   4. Click the Format button;
   5. Turn to the Properties tab;
   6. Under Max number of bars study will reference select User specified and enter the amount of bars.
      

• On the historical data indicator, only values on bar close are calculated. There are multiple historical data calculation modes for the signal. In order for the indicator and signal historical calculations to match, IOG and Bar Magnifier should be disabled for the signal.
• If the signal is calculated tick by tick, i.e., IOG is enabled for the signal, the Update on every tick feature should be enabled for the indicator in order to make the realtime calculations match.

To enable the Update on every tick feature:

1. Click Format in the main menu of MultiCharts;
2. Select Studies;
3. Highlight your indicator;
4. Click the Format button;
5. Turn to the Properties tab;
6. Check the Update on every tick checkbox.

• Realtime-History Matching should be enabled/disabled (upon necessity) for both the signal and indicator. Please see detailed instructions in the Realtime-History Matching section.

Note: The indicator and signal should be based on the corresponding data series and have the same input values.

• If indicator and signal settings are the same the calculation results should be equal.