#TradingPairs101

When you trade crypto, you're not just buying an asset — you're trading one asset for another. That’s where trading pairs come in. A pair like $BTC/$USDT means you're buying Bitcoin with Tether, or selling Bitcoin for Tether. The first asset is what you’re trading, the second is what you’re trading it against.

Understanding pairs is key. Want to buy $SOL but only hold $ETH? You’ll need the $SOL/$ETH pair — not every exchange has it. Also, the choice of pair affects fees, liquidity, and volatility.

Pro tip: Always check the base and quote asset before placing your order. One wrong pair can flip your whole trade.