Limit Order vs Market Order (Crypto)
**Market orders** fill immediately at available liquidity—pay spread and slippage. **Limit orders** set max buy/min sell—may not fill but control price.
Step by step
1. Size vs depth
Large market orders move price on thin books.
2. Fee tier
Many venues charge lower maker (limit) fees.
3. Urgency
Market for must-fill; limit for patient entries.
Limit vs market
Professionals mix both; beginners often overuse market on volatile pairs.
- Market: Certain fill; slippage risk.
- Limit: Price control; miss moves.
Use our calculators
Common mistakes
- Market buying illiquid altcoins
- Limit too far from mid during trends
FAQ
What is post-only?
Limit that only adds liquidity—often lowest fees.