If you’re just starting out or actively day trading, using the Ultimate Oscillator with the right settings can make a big difference in spotting reliable trade signals.
This article breaks down the recommended Ultimate Oscillator settings, how they affect your trading, and how to tweak them for better results — especially in fast-moving US stocks.
🔧 Default Settings (7-14-28): Why They’re Used
The creator of the Ultimate Oscillator, Larry Williams, designed it using three timeframes:
- 7-period: Captures short-term price movement
- 14-period: Reflects medium-term trend
- 28-period: Smooths out long-term fluctuations
These settings create a weighted momentum score, making the oscillator less sensitive to market noise.
✅ Good for swing trading
✅ Balanced for most market conditions
✅ Built-in false signal filter
🕒 Best Settings for Beginners
If you’re new to technical analysis, stick to the default (7-14-28).
Why?
- It’s available by default on platforms like TradingView, MT4, MT5
- Offers a balanced mix of responsiveness and accuracy
- Avoids overreacting to small price movements
Use it on higher timeframes like 1H or 4H to reduce whipsaws.
⚡ Best Settings for Day Trading
For day traders looking for quicker signals, you can shorten the periods:
- Short-term: 5
- Mid-term: 10
- Long-term: 20
→ Setting: 5-10-20
These settings make the oscillator more responsive, perfect for:
- 5-min or 15-min charts
- Scalping or intraday reversals
- Stocks with high intraday volatility (e.g., TSLA, AMZN)
⚠️ Note: Faster settings increase risk of false signals. Combine with confirmation tools like Supertrend or MACD.
🧠 How Settings Impact Signal Quality
| Setting | Signal Speed | Reliability | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-14-28 | Medium | High | Beginners, swing traders |
| 5-10-20 | Fast | Medium | Day traders, scalpers |
| 10-20-40 | Slow | Very High | Long-term or EOD trading |
✅ How to Change Ultimate Oscillator Settings (Platform Examples)
1. TradingView:
- Add “Ultimate Oscillator” from indicators list
- Click gear icon → Inputs → Adjust periods
- Apply and save template
2. MT4/MT5:
- Add indicator from Navigator
- Right-click chart → Indicator Properties → Input → Change values
3. Thinkorswim:
- Add study → “Ultimate Oscillator”
- Click gear icon next to name
- Edit the 3 period lengths manually
🎯 Pro Tips for Settings Success
- Always backtest before changing default settings
- Combine UO with a trend filter (EMA, Supertrend)
- Watch for divergence setups — especially on 5m & 15m charts
- Don’t use UO alone for entries — add confirmation!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Ultimate Oscillator settings depends on your trading style and timeframe.
- Beginners should stick to 7-14-28 for safety and clarity
- Day traders can experiment with faster 5-10-20 settings — with caution
With proper backtesting and confirmation, UO can become a powerful reversal detection tool for all skill levels.
✅ FAQs: Ultimate Oscillator Settings
1. What is the default setting of the Ultimate Oscillator?
It’s 7-14-28 — a blend of short, medium, and long-term periods.
2. Can I use 5-10-20 for intraday trading?
Yes. It gives faster signals but is more sensitive to price noise.
3. What timeframe works best with UO?
- 1H or 4H for swing trading
- 5min or 15min for day trading
4. Do I need to adjust settings for crypto or forex?
Yes. Higher volatility markets may need slower settings like 10-20-40.
5. Can I use Ultimate Oscillator for long-term trading?
Yes, just lengthen the periods — e.g., 14-28-56 for daily charts.
📈 Internal Linking Suggestions:
When you publish this, link it to:
- What Is the Ultimate Oscillator? A Beginner’s Guide
- Ultimate Oscillator Strategy That Actually Works
- Ultimate Oscillator vs RSI: Which Is Better?