---
title: "Donchian Channel"
description: "This indicator computes the upper and lower band of the Donchian Channel. The upper band is computed by finding the highest hig..."
canonical: https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/writing-algorithms/indicators/supported-indicators/donchian-channel
markdown: https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/writing-algorithms/indicators/supported-indicators/donchian-channel.md
language: python
source: https://github.com/QuantConnect/Documentation/tree/master/03%20Writing%20Algorithms/28%20Indicators/01%20Supported%20Indicators/036%20Donchian%20Channel
modified: 2026-10-31
index: https://www.quantconnect.com/llms.txt
---

# Donchian Channel

[Documentation](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2.md) > [Writing Algorithms](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/writing-algorithms.md) > Indicators > [Supported Indicators](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/writing-algorithms/indicators/supported-indicators.md) > Donchian Channel

> Code examples are shown in Python. Append `?lang=csharp` to this URL for the C# version of this page.

## Introduction

This indicator computes the upper and lower band of the Donchian Channel. The upper band is computed by finding the highest high over the given period. The lower band is computed by finding the lowest low over the given period. The primary output value of the indicator is the mean of the upper and lower band for the given timeframe.

To view the implementation of this indicator, see the [LEAN GitHub repository](https://github.com/QuantConnect/Lean/tree/master/Indicators/DonchianChannel.cs).

## Using DCH Indicator

To create an automatic indicator for `DonchianChannel`, call the `dch` helper method from the `QCAlgorithm` class. The `dch` method creates a `DonchianChannel` object, hooks it up for automatic updates, and returns it so you can used it in your algorithm. In most cases, you should call the helper method in the `initialize` method.

```python
class DonchianChannelAlgorithm(QCAlgorithm):
    def initialize(self) -> None:
        self._symbol = self.add_equity("SPY", Resolution.DAILY).symbol
        self._dch = self.dch(self._symbol, 20, 20)

    def on_data(self, slice: Slice) -> None:

        if self._dch.is_ready:
            # The current value of self._dch is represented by self._dch.current.value
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "dch", self._dch.current.value)
            # Plot all attributes of self._dch
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "upper_band", self._dch.upper_band.current.value)
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "lower_band", self._dch.lower_band.current.value)
```

For more information about this method, see the [QCAlgorithm class](https://www.lean.io/docs/v2/lean-engine/class-reference/py/QuantConnect/Algorithm/QCAlgorithm/#QuantConnect.Algorithm.QCAlgorithm.dch).

You can manually create a `DonchianChannel` indicator, so it doesn't automatically update. Manual indicators let you update their values with any data you choose.

Updating your indicator manually enables you to control when the indicator is updated and what data you use to update it. To manually update the indicator, call the `update` method. The indicator will only be ready after you prime it with enough data.

```python
class DonchianChannelAlgorithm(QCAlgorithm):
    def initialize(self) -> None:
        self._symbol = self.add_equity("SPY", Resolution.DAILY).symbol
        self._donchianchannel = DonchianChannel(20, 20)

    def on_data(self, slice: Slice) -> None:
        bar = slice.bars.get(self._symbol)
        if bar:
            self._donchianchannel.update(bar)

        if self._donchianchannel.is_ready:
            # The current value of self._donchianchannel is represented by self._donchianchannel.current.value
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "donchianchannel", self._donchianchannel.current.value)
            # Plot all attributes of self._donchianchannel
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "upper_band", self._donchianchannel.upper_band.current.value)
            self.plot("DonchianChannel", "lower_band", self._donchianchannel.lower_band.current.value)
```

For more information about this indicator, see its [reference](https://www.lean.io/docs/v2/lean-engine/class-reference/py/QuantConnect/Indicators/DonchianChannel).

## Visualization

The following plot shows values for some of the `DonchianChannel` indicator properties:

![DonchianChannel line plot.](https://cdn.quantconnect.com/docs/i/writing-algorithms/indicators/supported-indicators/donchian-channel.png)

## Indicator History

To get the historical data of the `DonchianChannel` indicator, call the `self.indicator_history` method. This method resets your indicator, makes a [history request](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/writing-algorithms/historical-data/history-requests.md), and updates the indicator with the historical data. Just like with regular history requests, the `indicator_history` method supports time periods based on a trailing number of bars, a trailing period of time, or a defined period of time. If you don't provide a `resolution` argument, it defaults to match the resolution of the security subscription.

```python
class DonchianChannelAlgorithm(QCAlgorithm):
    def initialize(self) -> None:
        self._symbol = self.add_equity("SPY", Resolution.DAILY).symbol
        self._dch = self.dch(self._symbol, 20, 20)

        indicator_history = self.indicator_history(self._dch, self._symbol, 100, Resolution.MINUTE)
        timedelta_indicator_history = self.indicator_history(self._dch, self._symbol, timedelta(days=10), Resolution.MINUTE)
        time_period_indicator_history = self.indicator_history(self._dch, self._symbol, datetime(2024, 7, 1), datetime(2024, 7, 5), Resolution.MINUTE)

        # Access all attributes of indicator_history
        indicator_history_df = indicator_history.data_frame
        upper_band = indicator_history_df["upperband"]
        lower_band = indicator_history_df["lowerband"]
```