T. Henning Murray published his Murray Math system in the 1990s, claiming the underlying mathematics — Gann-derived octave divisions of price range — predict where reversals occur. The full system is heavy on numerology that I find unconvincing. The simpler core idea — divide the recent range into 8 equal segments, watch the major lines (0/8, 4/8, 8/8) for S/R reactions — has held up well enough on EURUSD H1 to keep on my charts.
This guide covers the Murray Math MT4 indicator, the 4/8 bounce setup that actually works, and a realistic appraisal of what’s worth using and what’s not.
What are Murray Math Lines?
Murray Math takes the recent N-bar high and low (default 64 bars), divides the range into 8 equal segments, and plots 9 horizontal lines (0/8 through 8/8) at each octave. Each octave fraction has a name in Murray’s system:
- 0/8 (Ultimate Support) — bottom of range, major support
- 1/8 (Weak Stall) — minor S/R
- 2/8 (Pivot Reverse) — second-tier reversal
- 3/8 (Bottom Trading Range) — lower edge of typical trading band
- 4/8 (Major Reversal) — the key middle line, the strongest reaction zone
- 5/8 (Top Trading Range) — upper edge of typical band
- 6/8 (Pivot Reverse) — mirror of 2/8
- 7/8 (Weak Stall) — minor S/R near top
- 8/8 (Ultimate Resistance) — top of range, major resistance
The 0/8, 4/8, and 8/8 lines are the major S/R zones — the ones I actually trade. The intermediate lines (1/8, 2/8, etc.) produce some reactions but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor.
How Murray Math Lines Work on MT4
Our FOB_MurrayMath.ex4 scans the last 64 bars (configurable), finds the highest high and lowest low, and draws 9 lines dividing the range into 8 octaves. Major lines (0/8, 4/8, 8/8) are highlighted in red with thicker styling.
Three patterns matter for forex traders.
The first is 4/8 bounce. The middle line is the strongest reaction zone in Murray’s system — and empirically, the most reliable on majors. When price tests 4/8 and rejects, the reversal toward the opposite end of the range is the highest-edge Murray Math setup.
The second is 0/8 / 8/8 ultimate test. When price reaches the range extremes (0/8 or 8/8), the indicator is essentially flagging “you’ve hit the recent range high/low — expect a reaction or a regime-change breakout”. Most days this is the cleanest call on the chart.
The third is range-breakout reset. When price closes beyond 0/8 or 8/8, the recent-range definition breaks down. The indicator redraws using the new wider range. Don’t trade the just-broken extreme as S/R — wait for the redraw before re-engaging.
Key Features
- Custom MT4 indicator (FOB_MurrayMath.ex4)
- 9 lines (0/8 through 8/8) automatically calculated
- Major lines (0/8, 4/8, 8/8) highlighted with thicker styling
- Configurable lookback (default 64 bars)
- Optional level labels
- Auto-redraws when range expands
- Non-repainting once range is set
Best Settings for Murray Math Lines
The 64-bar default works for H1. Adjust for other timeframes.
| Use Case | Lookback | Best Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Scalping | 32 | M5 / M15 |
| Day Trading | 64 | H1 |
| Swing | 128 | H4 |
| Position | 64-128 | D1 |
Recommended starting point: H1 EURUSD with 64-bar lookback (default).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4/8 line is one of the most reliable mid-range S/R signals | Custom install required — not built into MT4 |
| Pure mathematical derivation — no fitting | Niche system — fewer ready-made strategies than Fibonacci/pivots |
| Auto-redraws when range expands | The full 9-line set produces visual clutter — major lines only is cleaner |
| Works on all forex pairs and timeframes | Murray’s broader numerology is dubious — stick to the 0/8, 4/8, 8/8 trio |
How to Install Murray Math Lines on MT4
The Murray Math indicator is custom. See install custom indicators on MT4.
Step 1: Download FOB_MurrayMath.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_MurrayMath onto your H1 chart with default settings.
Step 5: Save as a chart template (“Murray-H1”) for one-click reuse.
Trading Strategy: 4/8 Bounce
The cleanest Murray Math strategy. Best on H1 EURUSD, GBPUSD during ranging conditions.
Setup: FOB_MurrayMath + 50 EMA on price for trend context.
Long Entry (4/8 bounce in uptrend):
1. H4 trend is up — price above H4 50 EMA
2. On H1, identify the 4/8 line (the major mid-range line)
3. Wait for price to retrace down to 4/8
4. Enter long when price prints a bullish rejection candle at 4/8
5. Stop loss 5-10 pips below 3/8
6. Take profit at 8/8 or the next opposing structure
Short Entry (4/8 rejection in downtrend):
1. H4 trend down — price below H4 50 EMA
2. Price retraces up to 4/8
3. Bearish rejection candle confirms
4. Enter short on rejection close
5. Stop loss above 5/8
6. Take profit at 0/8
The discipline that matters: don’t trade Murray Math on news days or strong trends. The lines work best in established ranges; trends just blow through them.
Murray Math vs Fibonacci
Both divide ranges into proportional levels. Different math.
| Feature | Murray Math | Fibonacci |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | 9 (octaves: 0/8 – 8/8) | 5 (Fib ratios: 23.6, 38.2, 50, 61.8, 78.6) |
| Source | Recent N-bar range | Latest swing high/low |
| Mid-line | 4/8 (50% of range) | 50% Fib (50% of swing) |
Verdict: Use Fibonacci for trend pullbacks; use Murray Math when you want mid-range S/R during ranging conditions. They overlap at the 50% / 4/8 level, which is why both produce reactions there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Murray Math Lines free?
Yes. Our FOB_MurrayMath.ex4 is free below.
Do Murray Math lines repaint?
The line positions update when the range expands (new high or low). Once the range is set, the lines are stable until the next range expansion.
Which Murray Math lines actually matter?
0/8, 4/8, and 8/8 — the major lines. The intermediate lines (1/8, 2/8, etc.) produce signals but the signal-to-noise is poor on forex.
What about Murray’s “scientific octave” theory?
The mathematical-musical-octave framing in Murray’s writing is dubious. The 4/8 line works because it’s the 50% mid-range — not because of any inherent property of the number 8. Use the lines but ignore the numerology.
Can I use this on MT5?
Yes. Our enhanced version supports both platforms.
Download Murray Math Lines for MT4 – Free
Murray Math isn’t built into MT4. Our free FOB_MurrayMath.ex4 gives you:
- 9 octave lines (0/8 through 8/8) auto-calculated
- Major lines highlighted (0/8, 4/8, 8/8 in red, thicker)
- Configurable lookback per timeframe
- Optional level labels
- Non-repainting once range is set
Platform: MT4 (Build 1000+)
File type: .ex4
File size: 17 KB
Version: 1.0
Last updated: May 2026
Download Murray Math Lines – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Murray Math Lines Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The non-repainting Murray Math 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 4/8 bounce rules I use in live trading
- Weekly trading insights from a developer with 16+ years of market experience
Download the Murray Math Lines Indicator – Free Instant Access
No payment. No catch. Enter your email below and the Murray Math Lines Indicator file lands in your inbox within 60 seconds. Here’s everything you get:
- The non-repainting Murray Math Lines 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: 4.2/5
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.2/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.4/5 |
| Features | 4.0/5 |
| Value | 4.4/5 |
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