#OrderTypes101
The most common order types in crypto trading:
1. Market Order
- Buys or sells immediately at the best available price.
- Fast execution, but price may vary due to slippage.
- Example: You buy Bitcoin instantly at the current market price.
2. Limit Order
- Sets a specific price to buy or sell.
- Only executes if the market reaches your price.
- Example: "Buy BTC at $90,000" – only fills if BTC drops to $90K.
3. Stop-Loss Order
- Triggers a market/limit order when a certain price is hit (to limit losses).
- Example: If BTC is at $95K, set a stop-loss at $93K to sell if the price drops.
4. Take-Profit Order
- Automatically sells when the price reaches a profit target.
- Example: "Sell BTC at $95K" to lock in gains.
5. Stop-Limit Order
- Combines stop-loss and limit orders.
- Triggers a limit order when the stop price is hit.
- Example: "If BTC drops to $95K, place a limit sell at $93.5K."
6. Trailing Stop Order
- Adjusts the stop price dynamically based on market movement.
- Locks in profits while allowing upside potential.
- Example: Set a 5% trailing stop – if BTC rises, the stop price follows.
7. **Iceberg Order
- Large order split into smaller hidden orders to avoid market impact.
- Used by institutional traders.
8. Fill-or-Kill (FOK) & Immediate-or-Cancel (IOC)
- FOK : Entire order must fill immediately or it cancels.
- IOC : Fills as much as possible, cancels the rest.
Which Order Type Should You Use?
- For quick trades : Market order.
- For precise entries/exits : Limit order.
- For risk management : Stop-loss & take-profit.
- For large trades : Iceberg orders.