Trading

Limit Price: Definition

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Simple Definition

The specific price you set on a limit order - the worst price you are willing to accept.

Why It Matters

The limit price is the heart of a limit order. On a buy, it's the maximum you'll pay; on a sell, it's the minimum you'll accept. The order can fill at your limit price or anything better, but never worse. Where you set it is a balancing act: closer to the current quote means a faster, more likely fill; further away means a better potential price but a higher chance the order never executes.

Key Points

  • Buy limit price = the most you will pay
  • Sell limit price = the least you will accept
  • Closer to the quote fills faster; further away may not fill

Learn More

Foundation Lesson

Limit Orders Explained

Get a complete explanation with examples, key takeaways, and a quiz to test your knowledge.

Related Terms

Common Questions

The specific price you set on a limit order - the worst price you are willing to accept. The limit price is the heart of a limit order. On a buy, it's the maximum you'll pay; on a sell, it's the minimum you'll accept.

The limit price is the heart of a limit order. On a buy, it's the maximum you'll pay; on a sell, it's the minimum you'll accept. The order can fill at your limit price or anything better, but never worse. Where you set it is a balancing act: closer to the current quote means a faster, more likely fill; further away means a better potential price but a higher chance the order never executes.

Buy limit price = the most you will pay

Sell limit price = the least you will accept

Closer to the quote fills faster; further away may not fill