RSI Bands, RSI %B and RSI Bandwidth
Jul 15, 2014

The RSI Bands indicator projects traditional Relative Strength Index overbought and oversold levels directly onto the price chart to provide a dynamic perspective on market momentum and potential reversal zones.
Usage
The RSI Bands tool is used to visualize how price movement relates to specific RSI thresholds without needing to look at a separate oscillator pane. Traders primarily use this indicator to identify potential exhaustion points in price action.
- Overbought/Oversold Reversals: When the price reaches the upper band, it indicates that the RSI has hit the user-defined overbought level (default 70). Conversely, when price hits the lower band, the RSI has reached the oversold level (default 30).
- Trend Confirmation: Trading above the midline suggests bullish momentum, while trading below suggests bearish momentum.
- Volatility Analysis: Similar to Bollinger Bands, the distance between the bands (Bandwidth) and the price position relative to the bands (%B) can be used to gauge volatility and price intensity.
Details
The RSI Bands indicator is based on concepts popularized by Constance Brown in "Technical Analysis for the Trading Professional." Unlike standard RSI which oscillates in a fixed sub-pane, this script reverse-engineers the RSI formula to determine the exact price level required for the RSI to reach a specific value.
The calculation utilizes an Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of price gains and losses over a specified period. By solving for the price variable in the RSI equation, the script plots dynamic support and resistance lines that represent the boundaries of the RSI range (0-100) adjusted to the current price scale. This allows traders to see the "price of overbought" or "price of oversold" in real-time.
Settings
- RSI Overbought: Sets the RSI value used to calculate the upper resistance band (Default: 70).
- RSI Oversold: Sets the RSI value used to calculate the lower support band (Default: 30).
- RSI Length: Determines the lookback period for the RSI calculation (Default: 14).
- Source: Specifies the price data used for the calculation, such as open, high, low, or close (Default: Close).
FAQ
How do RSI Bands differ from the standard RSI oscillator?
While the standard RSI oscillator fluctuates between 0 and 100 in a separate window, RSI Bands translate those same momentum levels into price-based overlays. This allows you to see exactly where the price must go to become overbought or oversold.
Can I use RSI Bands for breakout strategies?
Yes, a price cross above the upper band or below the lower band indicates extreme momentum. While these levels often act as resistance or support, a sustained move outside the bands can signal a strong trending environment.
How can I get access to RSI Bands?
You can get access on the LuxAlgo Library for charting platforms like TradingView, MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), and NinjaTrader for free.
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