Bar Size On Click Documentation
Bar Size On Click is a lightweight NinjaTrader 8 indicator that allows you to instantly measure the size of any bar by clicking directly on the chart.
It displays precise bar range information in ticks, points, or currency, making it ideal for discretionary traders who want fast, accurate context without cluttering their charts.
What This Indicator Does
When you click and hold on a bar, Bar Range On Click displays a tooltip showing:
- Bar size in ticks
- Bar size in points
- Bar size in currency
- Standard bar data (O/H/L/C, time, volume)
- Optional EMA reference (if enabled)
This lets you quickly evaluate volatility, signal bar strength, and risk context without opening secondary tools or panels.
How to Use Bar Range On Click
- Add Bar Range On Click to your chart
- Click and hold on any bar
- While holding the mouse button:
- A tooltip appears next to the bar
- Bar size is shown in ticks, points, or currency
- Release the mouse to dismiss the display
💡 The indicator is intentionally press-and-hold to avoid persistent clutter on the chart.
Displayed Values Explained
Bar Size (Ticks)
Shows the total high-to-low range of the bar in ticks.
Bar Size (Points)
Shows the same range converted to points (instrument-aware).
Bar Size (Currency)
Shows the same range converted to the instrument’s dollar (or account currency) value.
Example (ES):
- Bar Size Ticks:
11.00 - Bar Size Points:
2.75 - Bar Size Currency:
$137.50
This makes it easy to mentally map bar size to stop distance, risk, or entry quality.
Common Use Cases
- Evaluating signal bar quality
- Measuring volatility expansion
- Comparing bar size relative to recent structure
- Quickly estimating risk per contract
- Educational use while studying price action
This tool is especially useful when paired with discretionary price-action workflows.
Indicator Settings
Parameters
- Use Middle Click — Enables activation using the middle mouse button instead of left click.
- Always Show Current Bar — Keeps bar size visible on the most recent bar without clicking.
Data Series
- Input Series — Select the chart series the indicator should reference.
Setup
- Calculate — Recommended:
On each tick - Maximum Bars Look Back — Controls historical access for bar calculations.
Visual
- Panel — Same as input series (default)
- Scale Justification — Right (recommended)
Performance & Design Notes
- Extremely lightweight
- No drawing objects stored on the chart
- No automation or order interaction
- Designed for manual, discretionary analysis
Tips for Screenshots & Documentation
Because the tooltip only appears while clicking:
- Use Snipping Tool → Delay (3–5 seconds) to capture screenshots
- Hold the mouse button while the capture triggers
This ensures the bar size overlay is visible in screenshots.
Compatibility
- NinjaTrader 8
- Tick, minute, and time-based charts
- Futures instruments (ES, NQ, MES, etc.)
Why Traders Use This Indicator
Bar Size On Click exists for one simple reason: knowing the exact tick and point range of a bar, instantly, without breaking focus on the chart. Traders use it to sanity-check stop distance before an entry, gauge whether a signal bar is unusually large or small relative to recent structure, and compare volatility across sessions without switching to a separate tool.
Built for Fast Price Action Reads
Because the tooltip only appears on click-and-hold, the chart stays clean the rest of the time — no persistent overlays, no extra panels. That makes it a natural fit for discretionary, price-action-based reads where speed and a clutter-free chart matter as much as the number itself.
Who It’s For
Bar Size On Click is built for discretionary futures traders who make fast, chart-based decisions and want an instant tick/point/currency reference without adding a full indicator suite. It pairs naturally with other Price Action Tools products for traders building a complete execution and risk workflow.
Support
If you have questions, feature requests, or need help, please visit our support page: https://priceactiontools.com/support/