An exchange order is an instruction that a trader gives to a cryptocurrency exchange or exchanger to buy or sell an asset under specified conditions. The order specifies the direction of the trade (buy or sell), the volume and, depending on the type, the execution price. Orders form the so-called order book — a list of all active buy and sell orders.

Main types of orders

• Market order — executed immediately at the best available price on the market.
• Limit order — triggers only when the market price reaches the level specified by the trader.
• Stop order — activates when a set price is reached and is used to limit losses or lock in a position.

The skillful use of different order types allows you to control the entry and exit price of a position more precisely. Market orders are convenient when speed of execution matters, while limit and stop orders make it possible to trade according to a pre-planned strategy without monitoring quotes manually. Understanding the mechanics of orders is one of the first steps in mastering exchange trading.