# RSI vs MACD

RSI and MACD are both momentum indicators, but they measure momentum differently. RSI measures overbought/oversold levels (0-100), while MACD shows the relationship between two EMAs.

## Side-by-side comparison

| Feature | RSI | MACD |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Type | Momentum oscillator | Trend/momentum indicator |
| Range | 0-100 | Unbounded (centered on 0) |
| Best for | Overbought/oversold conditions | Trend direction + momentum |
| Signal | Crossing 70/30 levels | Line/signal crossover |
| Lag | Low (reacts quickly) | Medium (EMA-based) |
| CommonQuant DSL | rsi(period) | macd_line(), macd_signal() |

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better, RSI or MACD?

Neither is universally better. RSI excels at identifying overbought/oversold conditions, while MACD is better for confirming trend direction. Many traders use both together for confirmation.

### Can I use RSI and MACD together?

Yes — this is a common combination. For example, wait for RSI to signal oversold (<30), then confirm with a MACD bullish crossover before entering.

Canonical: https://commonquant.ai/compare/rsi-vs-macd