Common Moving Average Periods: 20, 50, 100, 200
Learn about the commonly used moving average periods of 20, 50, 100 and 200, and their general associations.
- 7 min read
- For beginners
- Educational
- Lesson 3 of 6
- 1Moving Averages Explained: A Complete Beginner's Guide
- 2SMA vs EMA: Simple vs Exponential Moving Average Explained
- 3Common Moving Average Periods: 20, 50, 100, 200
- 4Moving Averages as Dynamic Support and Resistance
- 5Moving-Average Crossovers Explained: Limitations to Understand
- 6The Lagging Nature of Moving Averages
This lesson explores some of the most commonly used moving average period lengths — 20, 50, 100, and 200 — and their general associations in technical analysis.
This is general educational content describing widely used conventions, not a recommendation for any specific period.
The 20-Period Moving Average
A 20-period moving average is commonly associated with shorter-term analysis, given its relatively quick responsiveness to recent price changes compared to longer periods, making it a commonly referenced choice for traders focused on more immediate trend conditions.
The 50-Period Moving Average
A 50-period moving average is commonly associated with medium-term trend analysis, often used alongside the 200-period average (covered below) in one of the most widely referenced crossover combinations in technical analysis, explored further in the next lesson.
The 100-Period Moving Average
A 100-period moving average sits between the 50 and 200-period averages in terms of responsiveness, sometimes used as an additional reference point for medium-to-longer-term trend context.
The 200-Period Moving Average
A 200-period moving average is commonly associated with longer-term, major trend analysis, and is one of the most widely referenced moving averages across financial markets generally, often discussed in relation to broader market health and long-term trend direction.
Why These Specific Periods Are Widely Used
These specific period lengths have become widely adopted conventions in technical analysis, partly due to their long-standing historical use and widespread familiarity among market participants, which can itself contribute to their continued relevance, since many traders watch the same commonly referenced levels.
Summary
The 20, 50, 100, and 200-period moving averages are widely used conventions in technical analysis, generally associated with progressively longer-term trend analysis — from shorter-term (20) to major, long-term trend context (200). Their widespread adoption and familiarity among market participants is itself part of why these specific periods remain commonly referenced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shorter-term analysis, given its relatively quick responsiveness to recent price changes.
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