$BTC Sure! Here's a quick primer on #TradingPairs101 โ a beginner-friendly introduction to understanding trading pairs in crypto and traditional finance:
๐ What Are Trading Pairs?
A trading pair is a market between two different assets. It shows how much of one asset you need to get another. Itโs the core of any exchange.
This means youโre trading Asset A against Asset B.
๐ง Example: BTC/USD
You are trading Bitcoin (BTC) for US Dollars (USD).
If BTC/USD = 50,000, it means 1 BTC = 50,000 USD.
You can buy BTC using USD, or sell BTC to receive USD.
๐ Common Types of Trading Pairs
1. Fiat-to-Crypto
Example: ETH/USD, BTC/EUR
Good for beginners.
Involves national currencies.
2. Crypto-to-Crypto
You trade one crypto for another.
Requires understanding relative values.
3. Stablecoin Pairs
Example: BTC/USDT, ETH/USDC
Helps avoid fiat on/off ramps.
Popular for price stability.
๐ Why It Matters
You choose a trading pair based on:
The asset you hold
The asset you want to get
The exchangeโs available markets
Choosing the wrong pair can lead to extra fees or slippage.
๐งฉ Pro Tip: Base vs Quote Currency
Base = first asset (what youโre buying/selling)
Quote = second asset (what itโs priced in)
In BTC/USD, BTC is base, USD is quote.
Want a cheat sheet of the most popular trading pairs or how to read a trading pair chart?
