A practical guide to installing, testing and running Burning Grid 2.38 in MetaTrader 5, including automated spread optimization and the four trade modes.
MetaTrader 5Up to 35 symbolsOne chartFully automatedHedging account required
The forex market does not move through one currency pair at a time. Burning Grid was built around that reality. From one MetaTrader 5 chart, the EA can process up to 35 supported symbols while shared controls coordinate risk, spreads, currency exposure, running grids and account-level protection.
Before a New Grid
The EA can evaluate the selected risk profile, Buy or Sell risk, current spread, symbol activity, currency exposure and account mode.
During the Grid
Open positions, grid progression and optional Early Exit checks are managed by the running strategy.
Across the Account
Shared controls coordinate simultaneous activity, account drawdown and currency drawdown across the multi-pair system.
Each grid can pursue its own opportunity while shared controls coordinate exposure across the account.
Hedging account required. Burning Grid does not work on Netting accounts.
Quick Start
Install Burning Grid from your MQL5 purchases.
Confirm that the trading account is a Hedging account. Netting accounts are not supported.
Check the broker symbols. Every enabled symbol must exist at the broker. Enter the exact suffix when one is used.
Attach Burning Grid to one chart. The selected chart timeframe does not control the internal strategy logic.
Enable Allow Algo Trading and the terminal's Algo Trading button.
Review the account mode, symbol selection, risk profile and protection settings.
Run a Strategy Tester verification before live use. This is for understanding the EA and your account conditions; automated spread optimization does not require a separate manual spread-optimization backtest when enabled.
These files are still available for download, but their filenames refer to version 2.32. They are not presented as new 2.38 presets.
Before loading a setfile: Confirm the installed EA build, Hedging account type, broker suffix, leverage, minimum lot size, account balance and intended risk. A setfile does not guarantee the same result with another broker or account.
Version check: This guide covers Burning Grid 2.38. The downloadable setfiles still have 2.32 in their filenames. Before using one with 2.38, inspect every input in the current EA and verify the result in your own test. Do not assume an older setfile contains the latest defaults or options.
Purchase Burning Grid on MQL5 Market
Open the Burning Grid product page. Review the current product information, price, rental options and free demo.
Click Buy.
Sign into the MQL5 account you want to use in MetaTrader 5.
Check the live order information. Confirm the current price and activation information shown by MQL5.
Select a payment method and complete the checkout.
The current price, rental conditions and activation allowance are controlled by MQL5. Always use the live information shown during checkout.
The screenshots are visual guides. The live MQL5 interface, payment methods and commercial information can change.
Burning Grid product page with Buy, Rent and Free Demo.Burning Grid order selection without an invented price.
1. Log into the MQL5 account used for the purchase
Open Tools → Options → Community and use your MQL5 login, not your email address.
2. Open My Purchases
Open View → Navigator, expand Market and click My Purchases.
3. Install Burning Grid
Select Burning Grid and click Install.
Run Your Own Backtest
Test Burning Grid with your own broker data before moving to demo or live operation.
Select Burning Grid, the test period, modelling mode, deposit, currency and intended leverage.
1. Select the Test
Open View → Strategy Tester and choose Burning Grid.
2. Match the Conditions
Use Manual Selection, enter the exact broker suffix and set the intended period, deposit, currency and leverage.
3. Start and Verify
Choose the trade mode and risk settings you actually intend to use. Review the full report, balance and equity curves, drawdown, margin and symbol participation. The published tests are reference cases, not target results.
Why test when Auto Spread is on? With Activate automated Spread Optimization enabled, Burning Grid derives broker-specific maximum spread thresholds from available historical spread data and refreshes them in the background. You do not need a separate broker backtest merely to optimize those spread limits. Run a test to understand strategy behaviour, grid exposure, trade mode and risk under your own broker and account conditions.
Event Filter: it is available in live trading and is not active in Strategy Tester.
Keep every figure tied to its own risk profile and historical test conditions.
Original Low-Risk Strategy Tester evidence.Approved Low-Risk historical summary.
Broker Symbols and Automated Spread Optimization
In version 2.38, Activate automated Spread Optimization is enabled in the published default inputs. When enabled, Burning Grid analyses available historical spread data for supported symbols and periodically updates broker-specific maximum spread limits in the background. A separate broker backtest to find those limits manually is no longer required.
Check the switch: Auto Spread only takes over when it is enabled and sufficient broker history is available. Until a valid profile has been loaded, the EA uses the configured Max Spread inputs. If you turn Auto Spread off, review those manual limits. After startup, check the Experts and Journal tabs for data or symbol problems.
A verification backtest still matters: it shows how the selected symbols, trade mode, strategy profile and risk settings behave with your broker's history, spread, commission, swaps, leverage and lot specifications. It is not a prerequisite for the automatic spread calculation.
Earlier optimization workflow. Use the current Auto Spread switch for broker spread limits; use the tester for strategy and account verification.
Broker Verification
Use Manual Selection in the tester.
Enter the exact broker suffix.
Confirm every enabled symbol and its history.
Test the intended trade mode and settings.
Account-Limit Optimization
Only optimize when your own account limits require it.
Use the relevant account-limit fields, not a manual spread search when Auto Spread is on.
Review equity drawdown, margin and trade count.
Verify the chosen result in a normal test.
Review the complete result and leave a suitable buffer under the intended account limit.
Do not select a configuration only because it produced the highest historical profit. Review drawdown, margin, trade count and symbol participation.
Choose the Right Trade Mode
Trade Mode controls how Burning Grid applies account-size and account-limit logic. The risk profile (Lowest, Medium or High) is a separate choice: it changes how many strategies may be considered. Confirm both settings before testing or trading.
Regular Mode
Uses the selected strategy profile and Buy/Sell risk inputs without the Small Account or Prop Firm account-limit budgeting. Intended for regular accounts above 10,000 USD. It does not automatically make a small account safe.
Small Account Mode
Uses the configured Account Balance and Account Limit to restrict new strategies when the available account budget or broker minimum lot size would make a setup unsuitable. You set and test the account-specific values yourself.
Auto Small / Regular Mode
Applies the integrated small-account logic below 10,000 USD equivalent and switches to regular-account behaviour at or above that threshold. Check the current inputs and test the transition for your account; Auto Mode is not a guarantee against loss.
Prop Firm Mode
Uses a configured Account Balance and Account Limit to budget projected strategy exposure before new entries. Set the limit against your provider's actual rules and leave a buffer. Provider-rule compliance is not guaranteed.
Practical sequence: choose the mode for your account, confirm the risk profile and Buy/Sell percentages, load a compatible setfile if used, then run a normal backtest and inspect equity drawdown, margin and open grids. Several strategies may consume separate risk allocations at once.
Video Guides
These videos explain the concepts alongside the written steps. The written version 2.38 instructions on this page take precedence where an older video shows a previous interface or manual spread workflow.
Four Trade Modes
Regular, Small Account, Auto and Prop Firm Mode explained.
Shows the historical testing workflow. Its manual spread-optimization steps predate the automated feature introduced in 2.37; follow the Auto Spread instructions above for 2.38.
After the test, attach Burning Grid to one chart and confirm the operating settings.
Use MetaTrader 5, confirm the broker symbols and suffix, and use a Hedging account.
Confirm the account type. Burning Grid requires a Hedging account.
Open one chart. The selected chart timeframe does not control the internal strategy logic.
Attach Burning Grid. Use Navigator → Expert Advisors → Market.
Open the Common tab. Enable Allow Algo Trading.
Open Inputs. Load the intended setfile or enter the settings manually.
Enable Allow Algo Trading and click OK. The main Algo Trading button in the terminal must also be active.
Next: review the full input menu in the section immediately below the dashboard.
Dashboard and Daily Operation
Version 2.38 adds the modern Steel and Fire dashboard in day and night themes. Classic remains available through Dashboard Style. The dashboard brings realised Pair P/L, current spreads, currency drawdown and running grids together in one view.
Earlier dashboard screenshot. Version 2.38 defaults to the modern Steel and Fire style; displayed account values are only a snapshot of that terminal session.
Pair P/L
Realised results by pair for the available dashboard periods.
Live Spreads
Current spread information across the processed symbols.
Drawdown by Currency
Aggregated open-position drawdown involving each currency.
Running Grids
Active strategies grouped by symbol and strategy.
Terminal
Keep MetaTrader 5 connected and Algo Trading active.
Experts and Journal
Check both tabs after startup, migration and updates.
Pause EA
Stop new strategies while existing positions and rebuys continue to be managed.
VPS: migrate the chart again after an update. A VPS keeps MetaTrader 5 running, but it does not change the strategy or guarantee execution quality.
Rollover protection: version 2.36 added protection for trailing grids around the New York 5 p.m. rollover, when spreads can jump. Check the Experts and Journal tabs for the actual actions on your account; this is not a guarantee against rollover losses.
Input Menu — What the Fields Mean
The overview comes first. The detailed field explanations follow in the same order as the menu.
The labels below follow the names shown in MetaTrader 5.
Basic Setup
Select Symbols by
Manual Selection processes the enabled pairs and is required for backtests. Marketwatch processes supported pairs found in Market Watch during demo or live operation.
Risk Setting
Select Lowest, Medium or High. A higher profile can consider more strategies and allow more parallel activity.
Maximum allowed Risk in % per Strategy for Buy Positions
Risk-sizing target for each Buy strategy.
Maximum allowed Risk in % per Strategy for Sell Positions
Risk-sizing target for each Sell strategy.
Maximum allowed overall Drawdown in % for Account
Account-level drawdown limit used by Burning Grid.
Maximum allowed overall Drawdown in % for Currency Positions
Aggregates all open Burning Grid positions involving the same currency.
Maximum allowed Spread in Pts (Default Setting)
Manual fallback limit for new entries. The automatic mechanism can replace it with a broker-specific profiled limit when enabled and valid spread history is available.
Activate automated Spread Optimization
Enabled by default in 2.38. Analyses available historical broker spread data for supported symbols and refreshes maximum spread limits in the background. No separate manual spread-optimization backtest is needed while this is enabled.
Block active Currencies or Symbols
Select Disabled, Block running Symbols or Block running Currencies.
Grid Level Mode
Select One Position per Level or One Position per Strategy. Both options remain grid-based.
Calculate Drawdown by
Choose Balance or Equity as the basis for account- and currency-level drawdown calculations.
Calculate Risk Value by
Choose Balance or Equity as the basis for strategy sizing.
Write order comment
Controls whether Burning Grid adds an order comment.
Activate Event Filter
Restricts new affected strategies around relevant economic events in live trading.
Activate Early Exit Engine
Allows a longer-running grid to be reassessed before another level is added.
Trade Mode Setup
Trade Mode
Select Regular, Prop Firm, Small Account or Auto Small/Regular Mode. See the trade-mode comparison before choosing.
Account Balance
Starting balance used by Prop Firm or Small Account logic.
Account Limit in Value
Account-limit budget used by the selected mode.
Backtesting and Other Settings
Dashboard refresh rate
Select a refresh interval or disable the dashboard for faster backtests.
Dashboard Font Size
Adjusts text size in the dashboard.
Show Spreads on Dashboard
Shows or hides the spread section.
Nightmode for Dashboard active or not
Switches the selected dashboard style between day and night appearance.
Dashboard Style
Choose the modern Steel and Fire interface or the Classic dashboard. Modern is the version 2.38 default.
Pause EA
Stops new strategies while existing positions and rebuys continue to be managed.
Base Magic Number
Defines the identifier range used by Burning Grid. Avoid overlap with other Expert Advisors.
Suffix of the Symbol
Enter the exact broker suffix when one is used.
Pair-Specific Expert Mode
Experienced users can override the global profile, spread, Buy risk, Sell risk and trade direction for individual pairs. A value of 0 in a pair-specific spread or risk field uses the global value.
Risk and Position Management
Burning Grid evaluates risk before a new grid starts. The selected risk target, Balance or Equity basis, account mode and broker minimum lot size all affect strategy sizing.
Minimum-lot warning: if the calculated volume is smaller than the broker's minimum lot size, the EA must use the minimum permitted volume. Effective risk can therefore be higher than the selected percentage on a small account.
Portfolio risk adds up: Buy and Sell percentages apply per strategy. Several strategies can carry separate risk allocations at the same time.
Risk is evaluated before a new grid begins.New entries can be restricted while running grids remain managed.One Position per Level and One Position per Strategy both remain grid-based.
Published Historical Results
The Low-Risk and Medium-Risk profiles remain separate. Every figure below comes from its own MetaTrader 5 report and historical test conditions.
Period1 January 2020 – 30 June 2026History quality100%Initial deposit10,000 USDSymbols34PlatformMetaTrader 5Test typeHistorical simulation
Low-Risk Profile
Across 30,740 completed trades, the published profile recorded 38,709.86 USD in total net profit, a Profit Factor of 2.01 and Relative Balance Drawdown of 3.81%.
38,709.86 USDNet profit
30,740Total trades
2.01Profit Factor
3.81%Relative Balance DD
Approved Low-Risk historical summary with original MetaTrader 5 evidence.Original Low-Risk Strategy Tester report and curve.
Medium-Risk Profile
Across 57,091 completed trades, the separate Medium-Risk profile recorded 206,790.24 USD in total net profit, a Profit Factor of 2.08 and Relative Balance Drawdown of 5.21%.
206,790.24 USDNet profit
57,091Total trades
2.08Profit Factor
5.21%Relative Balance DD
Approved Medium-Risk historical summary with original MetaTrader 5 evidence.
These are historical Strategy Tester results, not live-account performance. They do not guarantee future results.
Long and Short activity across the published Low-Risk historical sample.
Every signal is a separate account and must be reviewed independently. Broker conditions, deposits, withdrawals, risk settings and trading periods can differ. Signal results must not be combined with the published Strategy Tester profiles.
Optional Partner Resources
These providers are optional. They are shown because they can support a practical Burning Grid setup, not because they are required.
IC Trading — broker reference
Confirm the Hedging account type, exact symbols, suffix, leverage, spreads, commission, minimum lot size and execution conditions before using Burning Grid.
Use the supplied broker symbols as shown in Market Watch.
Affiliate disclosure: Magma Software Solutions may receive compensation when an affiliate link is used. Partner services are separate from Burning Grid and do not guarantee trading performance.
Updating Burning Grid
Pause new strategies, install the update and then recheck the chart.
Current release: version 2.38 (11 October 2026) adds the modern Steel and Fire dashboard, further automated-spread robustness and updated strategies for AUDCAD, AUDCHF, AUDJPY, AUDSGD, AUDUSD, CADCHF and CADJPY. Version 2.37 introduced automatic broker-specific spread optimization; version 2.36 added rollover protection and major backtest speed improvements. Read the MQL5 release notes before updating.
Before updating: set Pause EA to true. Existing positions and rebuys continue to be managed while new strategies are blocked. Follow the release note if it requires a flat account.
1. Open My Purchases
Open Navigator, expand Market and click My Purchases.
2. Install the available update
Select Burning Grid and click Update.
Reattach Burning Grid. Review the broker suffix, symbol selection, risk, account mode and Algo Trading.
MQL5 VPS users: migrate the updated chart and settings again, then check the VPS Journal.
Existing grids: when a strategy is replaced in a new release, the EA continues managing an already running cycle until it finishes. New cycles use the currently supported strategy set. After updating, review open grids and the Experts and Journal tabs.
Troubleshooting
The EA does not start
Confirm the Hedging account type.
Check the exact broker suffix and enabled symbols.
Enable Algo Trading.
Check Experts and Journal.
The EA runs but does not open trades
Possible reasons include strategy conditions, spread above the allowed limit, Event Filter, symbol or currency blocking, Pause EA, unavailable broker symbols or insufficient margin.
The dashboard is missing
Check Dashboard refresh rate. Disabled intentionally hides the dashboard.
The selected risk looks lower than the actual trade risk
The broker's minimum lot size may be larger than the calculated volume. This is most visible on small accounts.
Backtest and live results differ
Broker history, spread, commission, swaps, leverage, execution, slippage, symbol specifications, minimum lot size and the live-only Event Filter can change results. Confirm that the same EA version, trade mode, risk profile, symbols and Auto Spread switch were used.
Why do my spreads differ from the manual Max Spread input?
If automated Spread Optimization is enabled and a valid broker profile is available, Burning Grid applies its profiled symbol limits. The manual Max Spread inputs are fallback settings. Check Experts and Journal if historical spread data is missing.
I need support
Open the Support & User Group and include the account type, exact broker suffix, input screenshot and relevant Experts or Journal messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many symbols can Burning Grid process?
Up to 35 supported symbols from one chart. The published historical tests shown here processed 34 symbols.
Can I use a Netting account?
No. Burning Grid requires a Hedging account. Netting accounts are not supported.
Does Burning Grid use grid trading?
Yes. Grid progression is a central part of the system.
Does the selected risk percentage apply to the complete account?
No. Separate Buy and Sell percentages apply per strategy. Several strategies can carry separate allocations at the same time.
What is the difference between the two Grid-Level Modes?
One Position per Level opens a separate position for every reached grid level. One Position per Strategy replaces the existing strategy position with one new position using the combined level size. Both modes remain grid-based.
Does the Event Filter work in Strategy Tester?
No. It is user-selectable in live trading and is not active in Strategy Tester.
Do I still need to optimize spreads in a broker backtest?
No, not when automated Spread Optimization is enabled and valid broker spread history is available. The EA handles the spread-limit calculation. A normal backtest remains useful to understand strategy behaviour, grid exposure and account risk under your broker conditions.
What is the difference between Auto and Small Account Mode?
Auto selects integrated small-account behaviour below 10,000 USD equivalent and regular-account behaviour at or above that threshold. Small Account Mode lets you set the relevant Account Balance and Account Limit yourself. Neither mode removes trading risk. See the trade-mode guide and four-mode video.
Can Burning Grid be used with a prop firm account?
Burning Grid includes a Prop Firm Mode that coordinates allocated strategy risk against a defined account-limit budget. It does not guarantee compliance with current provider rules or successful completion of a challenge.
Important operating modes and expectations before you begin.
Risk Disclosure
Automated trading involves risk. Burning Grid is a multi-symbol, multi-strategy grid system. Several strategies and symbols can be active at the same time, and later grid levels can increase exposure.
Historical tests describe past simulated behaviour under specific conditions. They do not predict or guarantee future results.
You can lose part or all of the capital allocated to trading. Test your broker, account type, symbol setup and risk settings before live use.
Run your own MetaTrader 5 test before making a decision.
Burning Grid · MetaTrader 5 Multi-Pair Grid System · Magma Software Solutions
