## The purpose of multi-timeframe analysis
Multi-timeframe analysis is not about making charts complex. It prevents you from trading against the larger trend. Higher timeframe gives direction, middle timeframe gives structure, lower timeframe gives entry.
## Useful combinations
For day trading: 4H for direction, 1H for structure, 15m for entry. For scalping: 1H direction, 15m structure, 5m entry. For swing trading: Daily direction, 4H structure, 1H entry.
## Three questions
First, is the higher timeframe trending up, down or ranging? Second, does the middle timeframe show clear support, resistance and pullback structure? Third, does the lower timeframe provide a trigger such as breakout, retest, engulfing candle or failed fakeout?
## Common mistake
Too many timeframes make you search for confirmation of your bias. Use three fixed timeframes and write direction, key level and invalidation point. The goal is less impulse, not more excuses.
