How to Change Chart Timeframe on MT4

The chart timeframe in MetaTrader 4 controls the time period each candle or bar represents. Switching between timeframes is one of the most basic and frequent actions in MT4, used to zoom out for higher timeframe context or zoom in for entry timing. There are three straightforward ways to do it.

This guide covers what the MT4 timeframes are, the three methods of changing timeframe, how to think about choosing one for your trading, and the practical considerations involved.

What Are the MT4 Timeframes?

MT4 offers nine chart timeframes. These are M1 (one minute), M5 (five minutes), M15 (fifteen minutes), M30 (thirty minutes), H1 (one hour), H4 (four hours), D1 (one day), W1 (one week), and MN1 (one month).

The timeframe sets the duration of each candlestick or bar on the chart. On an M5 chart, each candle covers five minutes of price action. On an H1 chart, each candle covers one hour. On a D1 chart, each candle covers one trading day.

Lower timeframes (M1, M5, M15) show fine-grained price action and are typically used for short-term trading and entry timing. Higher timeframes (H4, D1, W1, MN1) show longer-term structure and are typically used for trend analysis and trade planning.

How to Change Chart Timeframe on MT4

There are three ways to change the timeframe on an MT4 chart. All three produce the same result; pick whichever you find most convenient.

Using the Timeframes Toolbar

The timeframes toolbar is a row of buttons that runs along the top of the MT4 platform, just below the standard toolbar. The buttons are labelled M1, M5, M15, M30, H1, H4, D1, W1, and MN1.

To change the timeframe on the active chart, click the corresponding button. The active chart updates immediately to show the new timeframe.

If the timeframes toolbar is not visible, enable it from View > Toolbars > Timeframes. The same menu can be used to hide toolbars you do not need.

Using the Right-Click Menu

The right-click context menu offers the same options directly from the chart itself.

Right-click anywhere on the chart, hover over "Timeframes," and select the desired timeframe from the submenu. The submenu lists all nine MT4 timeframes. The chart updates to the chosen timeframe.

This method is convenient when you want to change timeframe without moving the cursor up to the toolbar.

Using the Charts Menu

The Charts menu in the top menu bar provides a third way.

Click Charts in the top menu bar, hover over "Periodicity," and select the desired timeframe. The same nine options are listed.

Some traders prefer the Charts menu when they are already using the menu for other chart settings such as object lists, chart properties, or template management.

Choosing the Right Timeframe

The right timeframe depends on the kind of trading you do. Day traders and scalpers tend to focus on M1 through M30. Swing traders typically use H1 and H4 for entries and D1 for the bigger picture. Position traders and longer-term investors work mostly with D1, W1, and MN1.

Many traders use multi-timeframe analysis, looking at a higher timeframe for context and a lower timeframe for entry. For example, identifying a trend on the D1 chart and timing an entry on the H1 chart.

There is no single "best" timeframe. Each presents different information and supports different styles of trading. Lower timeframes generate more signals but with more noise; higher timeframes generate fewer signals with more weight per signal.

Practical Considerations

Changing the timeframe does not affect open positions, pending orders, or running Expert Advisors. The change is purely a display setting on the chart. The same instrument can be open on multiple charts at the same time, each on a different timeframe, by opening a new chart for the same symbol.

The same timeframe shortcut works across all open charts independently. Setting one chart to H1 does not change the timeframe on another chart.

Indicators and graphical objects you have placed on a chart are timeframe-specific. An indicator added to an M15 chart will not automatically appear on the H1 chart. To carry settings across timeframes, save the chart as a template and apply it to the new timeframe.

MT4's nine timeframes are a subset of what MetaTrader 5 offers. MT5 has 21 timeframes, including additional minute timeframes (M2, M3, M4, M6, M10, M12, M20) and additional hour timeframes (H2, H3, H6, H8, H12). If you want more granular timeframes, the alternative is to use MT5.

Spreads are variable and are typically higher than minimum figures shown. Leverage on each instrument is subject to change depending on market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements.

Trading at TIOmarkets

TIOmarkets offers MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 on desktop, web, and mobile, across four account types. The Standard account is created automatically on registration with a minimum deposit of $20 or currency equivalent. The Raw and VIP Black accounts are opened separately through the client area. The Nano account is MT5 only with a $20 minimum deposit, USD only. Hedging is supported on all accounts. A swap-free Islamic account is available; contact TIOmarkets for eligibility and instrument requirements. Copy trading is available on both MT4 and MT5.

Orders are executed at the best available market price, which may result in positive or negative slippage. Demo accounts often execute instantly and may not fully replicate live slippage conditions. Spreads are variable and are typically higher than minimum figures shown. Leverage on each instrument is subject to change depending on market conditions and applicable regulatory requirements. You can review the full list of account types on the TIOmarkets accounts page.