---
title: "Definition of Histogram"
url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd-histogram/
markdown_url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd-histogram.md
description: "The difference between the MACD line and the signal line, displayed as vertical bars that show momentum strength."
type: glossary-definition
site: Signal Screener
language: en
keywords:
  - "Histogram"
  - "MACD Histogram"
translations:
  de: https://signalscreener.fr/de/definition/macd-histogram.md
  es: https://signalscreener.fr/es/definition/macd-histogram.md
  fr: https://signalscreener.fr/fr/definition/macd-histogram.md
  it: https://signalscreener.fr/it/definition/macd-histogram.md
  pt: https://signalscreener.fr/pt/definition/macd-histogram.md
  zh: https://signalscreener.fr/zh/definition/macd-histogram.md
---

# MACD Histogram

## What is Histogram?

The difference between the MACD line and the signal line, displayed as vertical bars that show momentum strength.

## Think of it like this

Like a speedometer for momentum - the taller the bar, the stronger the trend; shrinking bars warn of a potential reversal.

## Formula

```
MACD Histogram = MACD Line - Signal Line
```

- **MACD Line**: 12-day EMA - 26-day EMA
- **Signal Line**: 9-day EMA of MACD
- **Histogram**: Visual representation of the difference

## Why it matters

- Shows momentum strength visually
- Identifies trend changes before crossovers
- Growing histogram = strengthening trend
- Shrinking histogram = weakening trend, potential reversal

## What's a good value?

| Range | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Positive & Growing | Strong Bullish | Uptrend strengthening |
| Positive & Shrinking | Weakening Bull | Uptrend losing steam |
| Negative & Growing | Strong Bearish | Downtrend strengthening |
| Negative & Shrinking | Weakening Bear | Downtrend losing steam, possible reversal |

## Real-world example

When histogram bars start shrinking while still positive, it warns that the uptrend is losing momentum - time to tighten stops.

---

This is educational content, not financial advice.

Source: [Definition of Histogram](https://signalscreener.fr/definition/macd-histogram/) on Signal Screener. Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link to that URL, which is the canonical one.

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