# Backtesting Setup

Running a backtest lets you evaluate Banana EA MT5's historical performance on your chosen pair, timeframe, and settings before risking real capital.

## Opening the Strategy Tester[​](#opening-the-strategy-tester "Direct link to Opening the Strategy Tester")

In MetaTrader 5 go to **View → Strategy Tester** (or press Ctrl+R).

## Tester settings[​](#tester-settings "Direct link to Tester settings")

| Field              | Recommended value                               |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Expert Advisor** | BananaEA Auto                                   |
| **Symbol**         | Your chosen pair (e.g. EURUSD)                  |
| **Timeframe**      | Your target timeframe (e.g. M15 or H1)          |
| **Modelling**      | Every tick based on real ticks (most accurate)  |
| **Date range**     | At least 1–2 years for reliable statistics      |
| **Deposit**        | Your intended starting balance                  |
| **Visual mode**    | Off for speed, On to watch execution bar by bar |

## Configuring inputs[​](#configuring-inputs "Direct link to Configuring inputs")

Click **Settings** in the Strategy Tester, then open the **Inputs** tab. Set the same values you intend to use live. Key inputs to check:

* **License Key** — not required for backtesting (tester mode is detected automatically)
* **Fixed lots, percent, or account-currency risk** — use the same risk value you plan to use live
* **Session times** — verify they match your broker's historical data time offset
* Turn off chart marker or visual display options if your build exposes them; chart drawing can slow tester runs.

## Data quality[​](#data-quality "Direct link to Data quality")

MT5 needs tick data for the symbol and timeframe you are testing, plus Daily data for the Daily Range Filter. To download tick history:

1. Open a chart for the pair.
2. Go to **Tools → History Center** (or the **Data** tab in Strategy Tester).
3. Select the symbol and click **Download**.

MT5 downloads tick data from your broker's server. Coverage varies by broker. For longer or more accurate history, third-party tick data providers can be imported via the History Center.

## Running the test[​](#running-the-test "Direct link to Running the test")

Click **Start**. When complete, review the **Results** and **Report** tabs.

Comparing runs

Use clear preset filenames and run notes to label each test so you can track which parameter set you are trading.

## Interpreting results[​](#interpreting-results "Direct link to Interpreting results")

| Metric             | What to look for                                                                     |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Profit Factor**  | > 1.5 is a reasonable starting target                                                |
| **Max Drawdown %** | Should be well within your account risk limits                                       |
| **Total Trades**   | < 50 trades gives unreliable statistics                                              |
| **Win Rate**       | Secondary to profit factor; 40–50% win rate with good R:R is typical |

A single backtest on one pair and one date range is not sufficient validation. Run across multiple pairs, multiple years, and both trending and ranging market regimes before going live.