Use the sample autocorrelation function and sample partial autocorrelation function to look for approximate cutoffs. For a minimal causal autoregressive model of order , the partial autocorrelation function is zero beyond , while the autocorrelation function usually tails off, possibly with damped oscillation. For an invertible moving-average model of order , the autocorrelation function is zero beyond , while the partial autocorrelation function tails off. In a mixed autoregressive moving-average model, both generally tail off.
Thus the last visibly nonzero partial correlation suggests an autoregressive order, and the last visibly nonzero autocorrelation suggests a moving-average order. Finite samples do not produce exact zeros. Approximate white-noise reference bands can help flag clearly nonzero lags, but they are not universal confidence intervals for arbitrary correlated processes. Fit a few suggested orders and check residual autocorrelation, rather than treating these plots as a proof of the model order. This is order identification by autocorrelation cutoffs.