Skip to main content

Understanding the ta.linreg() Function in Pine Script v6

· 5 min read
Pineify Team
Pineify Team

So you've been playing around with Pine Script and stumbled upon the ta.linreg() function? Great! This little function is actually pretty cool once you get the hang of it. Think of it as drawing the "best fit" line through your price data - kind of like when you used to connect dots in math class, but way more useful for trading.

Understanding the ta.linreg() Function in Pine Script v6

What Does ta.linreg() Actually Do?​

Okay, let's break this down without getting too nerdy. The ta.linreg() function basically looks at your price data over a certain number of bars and draws a straight line that best represents the overall direction. It's using something called "linear regression" - fancy words for "find the line that fits the data best."

Here's how you use it:

ta.linreg(source, length, offset) → series float
  • source: What data you want to analyze (usually closing prices)
  • length: How many bars back you want to look
  • offset: Whether you want to shift the line forward or backward (most of the time you'll use 0)

The Math Behind It (Don't Worry, It's Simple)​

The Best Pine Script Generator

The function uses this formula:

linreg = intercept + slope × (length − 1 − offset)

Sounds scary? It's not! The function does all the heavy lifting. It finds the intercept (where the line starts) and the slope (how steep it is) by looking at your data and finding the line that has the smallest total distance from all the price points.

Think of it like this: if you threw a bunch of dots on paper and wanted to draw one straight line that came closest to touching all of them, that's what linear regression does.

Why You'd Want to Use This​

This is probably the most obvious use. When you plot the regression line:

  • If it's going up, prices are generally trending higher
  • If it's going down, prices are trending lower
  • If it's flat, prices are moving sideways

It's like having a friend point out the obvious trend when you're staring at a messy chart.

Predicting Where Prices Might Go​

Now, I'm not saying this thing can predict the future (nothing can), but it gives you an idea of where prices might head based on recent behavior. It's like looking at someone walking and guessing they'll keep going in the same direction.

Building Trading Ideas​

Here's where it gets interesting. You could:

  • Buy when price crosses above the regression line
  • Sell when it crosses below
  • Use it to confirm other signals you're already watching

Let's Build Something Simple​

Here's a basic script that plots a 20-period regression line:

//@version=6
indicator("Simple Regression Line", overlay=true)

// Just using closing prices over 20 bars
regressionLine = ta.linreg(close, 20, 0)

// Plot it in red so we can see it
plot(regressionLine, color=color.red, linewidth=2)

That's it! Stick this on your chart and you'll see a red line showing the general trend over the last 20 bars.

How Pineify Can Help​

If you're like me and sometimes get tired of writing code from scratch, Pineify makes this stuff way easier. Instead of memorizing syntax and debugging typos, you can focus on the actual trading logic.

Pineify | Best Pine Script Editor

The cool thing about Pineify is you can combine ta.linreg() with tons of other indicators without hitting TradingView's limits. So you could have your regression line, some moving averages, RSI, and whatever else you want all on the same chart.


Website: Pineify

Want to see what else it can do? Check out all the features here.

Some Tips from Experience​

Play with the Length​

Don't just stick with 20 periods because that's what I used in the example. Try 10 for shorter-term trends, or 50 for longer-term ones. See what makes sense for what you're trading.

The Offset Thing​

Most of the time you'll use 0 for offset, but sometimes shifting the line a bit can help you see patterns better. Positive numbers shift it forward, negative numbers shift it back.

Don't Use It Alone​

This is just one tool in your toolbox. Combine it with other stuff you already know - moving averages, support/resistance levels, volume, whatever works for you.

Real Talk​

Linear regression is pretty neat, but remember it's based on past data. Markets can change direction faster than you can blink, so don't bet the farm on any single indicator.

That said, it's a solid addition to your Pine Script toolkit. It helps you see the forest for the trees when charts get messy, and it's simple enough that you won't get bogged down in complexity.

What's Next?​

Try the basic script I showed you, then start experimenting:

  • Change the length and see how it affects the line
  • Try different data sources (high, low, hl2, etc.)
  • Combine it with other indicators you like

And hey, if you come up with something cool or have questions, the trading community is usually pretty helpful. We're all trying to figure this stuff out together.

The ta.linreg() function might seem simple, but it's one of those tools that can really help clarify what's happening in your charts. Give it a shot and see how it fits into your trading style.