A method for determining an optimum number (Nopt) of complex samples for coherent averaging of a complex signal S(n) in a code division multiple access communication system includes estimating an initial number (Nint) of complex samples, obtaining fading channel autocorrelation sequence (R(n)) for a plurality (n) of complex samples, the plurality (n) number of complex samples corresponding to the initial number (Nint) of complex samples, computing a constant (K) based on the autocorrelation sequence (R(n)) and the plurality (n) of complex samples, substituting the initial number (Nint) of complex samples for the optimum number (Nopt) of complex samples if the constant (K) is equal or substantially equal to zero.