#TradingPairs101
Trading pairs are the backbone of cryptocurrency exchanges, allowing you to swap one asset for another (e.g., $BTC BTC/USDT or $ETH ETH/DAI). Each pair consists of a base currency (what you're buying) and a quote currency (what you're using to buy it). Centralized exchanges (CEXs) typically offer popular pairs with high liquidity, while decentralized exchanges (DEXs) provide access to a broader variety, including new or niche tokens. Understanding trading pairs helps you navigate price charts, manage slippage, and spot arbitrage opportunities. Whether on a CEX or DEX, knowing your pairs is key to making smarter, more strategic crypto moves.