W. D. Gann was a 1920s-era trader who built an entire trading system around angles, time cycles, and what can charitably be called numerology. Most of it doesn’t survive modern statistical scrutiny — but the simplest piece, the Gann Fan, has held up. The 1×1 angle (45 degrees) acts as a straightforward dynamic trend filter on H1 majors.
Below is the Gann Fan MT4 indicator that auto-draws all 7 angles from the latest swing pivot, the 1×1 break strategy I use as a trend filter, and an honest assessment of what’s worth keeping from Gann’s broader work.
What is the Gann Fan?
The Gann Fan is a set of angled trend-lines drawn from a major swing pivot at specific price-vs-time slopes:
- 1×1 (45-degree, the main angle) — 1 unit of price per 1 unit of time
- 2×1 — 2 price units per 1 time unit (steeper, faster trend)
- 4×1, 8×1 — even steeper
- 1×2, 1×4, 1×8 — slower, more horizontal
The 1×1 is Gann’s “balanced” trend angle. When price is above 1×1, the trend is bullish; below, bearish. Steeper angles (2×1, 4×1) mark accelerating trends; slower angles (1×2, 1×4) mark fading momentum.
The “unit of price per unit of time” calibration is where Gann gets impractical for forex. Different pairs and timeframes need different unit values. Our indicator exposes a configurable “unit pip” setting (default 10 pips per bar at 1×1) that you tune per pair.
How the Gann Fan Works on MT4
Our FOB_GannFan.ex4 finds the most recent swing low (configurable bars), uses it as the anchor, and draws all 7 Gann angles forward as ray lines extending across the chart.
Three patterns matter for forex traders.
The first is 1×1 trend filter. Price above 1×1 = bullish bias. Below = bearish. Closes that flip across the 1×1 angle signal regime change.
The second is angle hierarchy. Strong trends ride the 2×1 or 4×1 angle. When price slips below 2×1 onto 1×1, momentum is fading but trend is intact. When price slips below 1×1, trend is officially flipping.
The third is angle bounces. Each angle can act as dynamic S/R. Price approaching 1×1 from above often bounces off it (in an uptrend). Same for the steeper angles.
Key Features
- Custom MT4 indicator (FOB_GannFan.ex4)
- 7 Gann angles auto-drawn from latest swing low
- 1×1 highlighted as main trend filter
- Configurable lookback for swing detection
- Configurable “unit pip” (price per bar at 1×1)
- Ray lines extend forward indefinitely
- Auto-redraws when new swing forms
Best Settings for Gann Fan
The “unit pip” calibration is the key setting. Default 10 pips per bar works for EURUSD H1.
| Pair / TF | Unit Pip Suggestion |
|---|---|
| EURUSD H1 | 10 |
| GBPUSD H1 | 15 |
| USDJPY H1 | 10 |
| XAUUSD H1 | 50 |
| EURUSD M15 | 3 |
| EURUSD H4 | 30 |
Recommended starting point: H1 EURUSD with default 10 pips per bar. Adjust until 1×1 visually approximates a 45-degree slope through your trends.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1×1 angle is a clean dynamic trend filter | Custom install required — not built into MT4 |
| Auto-redraws when new swings form | “Unit pip” calibration is fiddly — different per pair and timeframe |
| Multiple angles give layered S/R context | Most of Gann’s broader work (numerology, time cycles) is unconvincing |
| Free vs $50+ premium Gann tools | Less popular than Fibonacci or pivots — fewer ready-made strategies |
How to Install Gann Fan on MT4
The Gann Fan indicator is custom. See install custom indicators on MT4.
Step 1: Download FOB_GannFan.ex4 from the form below.
Step 2: MT4 > File > Open Data Folder > MQL4 > Indicators. Drop the .ex4 in.
Step 3: Restart MT4 (or refresh Navigator).
Step 4: Drag FOB_GannFan onto your H1 chart. Set UnitPip to 10 for EURUSD.
Step 5: Save as a chart template (“Gann-H1”) for one-click reuse.
Trading Strategy: 1×1 Angle Break
The cleanest Gann strategy. Best on H1 EURUSD, GBPUSD trending markets.
Setup: FOB_GannFan + 50 EMA on price.
Long Entry (1×1 retest in uptrend):
1. Price has been above 1×1 for many bars (uptrend confirmed)
2. Pullback brings price back to 1×1
3. Bullish rejection candle at 1×1
4. Enter long on rejection close
5. Stop loss below the 1×2 angle (next slower angle)
6. Take profit at recent swing high or 2×1 angle
Short Entry (1×1 break down):
1. Price closes below 1×1 after sustained period above
2. Wait for retest from below
3. Bearish rejection candle at 1×1 (now resistance)
4. Enter short on rejection close
5. Stop loss above 1×2
6. Take profit at recent swing low
The discipline that matters: only act on 1×1 reactions in clearly trending markets. In choppy ranges the angles flip multiple times and produce whipsaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gann Fan indicator free?
Yes. Our FOB_GannFan.ex4 is free below.
Does the Gann Fan repaint?
The fan redraws when a new significant swing low forms (the desired behaviour). Once anchored, the angles are stable.
Do I need to learn the broader Gann system?
No. The 1×1 angle works as a standalone trend filter. The rest of Gann’s writing (time cycles, square of nine, numerology) is largely esoteric and not necessary for trading the fan.
What’s the right “unit pip” setting?
Tune until 1×1 visually approximates a 45-degree slope through your typical trend bars. 10 pips/bar is a good start for EURUSD H1.
Can I use this on MT5?
Yes. Our enhanced version supports both platforms.
Download Gann Fan Indicator for MT4 – Free
The Gann Fan isn’t built into MT4. Our free FOB_GannFan.ex4 gives you:
- 7 Gann angles auto-drawn from latest swing
- 1×1 highlighted as main trend filter
- Configurable unit pip per pair / timeframe
- Ray lines extend forward indefinitely
- Auto-redraws when new swing forms
Platform: MT4 (Build 1000+)
File type: .ex4
File size: 16 KB
Version: 1.0
Last updated: May 2026
Download the Gann Fan Indicator – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Gann Fan Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The Gann Fan Indicator file (.ex4) – install in 30 seconds
- Step-by-step installation guide with chart screenshots
- Best-performing settings per pair and timeframe
- The exact 1×1 break rules I use in live trading
- Weekly trading insights from a developer with 16+ years of market experience
Download the Gann Fan Indicator – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Gann Fan Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The non-repainting Gann Fan Indicator file (.ex4) – install in 30 seconds
- Step-by-step installation guide with chart screenshots
- Best-performing settings for scalping, day trading, and swing trading
- The exact entry and exit rules Dom uses in live trading
- Weekly trading insights from a developer with 16+ years of market experience
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.0/5 |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 |
| Features | 4.0/5 |
| Value | 4.4/5 |
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