> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.optionalpha.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.optionalpha.com/technical-documentation/indicators/sma.md). # SMA ## SMA A simple moving average (SMA) is an arithmetic average of a set of data points where each data point is added together and then divided by the total number of data points. For example, a 10-period simple moving average finds the closing price of the last 10-periods, sums the 10 closing prices, and divides by 10 to calculate the average closing price of the previous 10 periods. New periods are then added to the calculation and the oldest period is deleted from the calculation. The source code for the SMA function is available [here](https://app.optionalpha.com/ta/SMA.txt). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.optionalpha.com/technical-documentation/indicators/sma.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.