How to find the contract details for a specific pair on Coinbase?

To trade confidently on Coinbase, always check the contract specs tab for key details like size, tick value, and expiration—misreading these can lead to costly mistakes. (154 characters)

Jul 23, 2025 at 11:22 pm

Understanding Contract Details on Coinbase

When trading on Coinbase, especially in the realm of derivatives or futures, understanding the contract details for a specific pair is essential. These details include information like the contract size, tick size, expiration date (for futures), and settlement terms. Traders often overlook this data, which can lead to unintended positions or mispriced entries. To avoid confusion, always access the official contract specifications directly from Coinbase’s platform rather than relying on third-party sources. The most accurate details are found in the product page or trading interface for each pair.

Navigating to the Trading Pair Page

To begin, log into your Coinbase Advanced Trade account. Navigate to the trading interface by clicking on “Trade” in the main menu. In the search bar at the top, type the trading pair you’re interested in—for example, BTC-USD or ETH-USDT. Once the pair appears, click on it to open the full trading view. This action loads the chart, order book, and additional tabs. Look for a tab labeled “Contract Specifications” or “Info”—this is where the contract details for a specific pair reside. If no such tab appears, check the small “i” icon next to the pair symbol; clicking it often reveals a pop-up with critical contract data.

Locating the Contract Specifications Tab

Once the trading pair is selected, the interface may display multiple tabs such as “Order Book,” “Trades,” and “Chart.” Among these, locate the one titled “Contract Specs” or “Details.” If it’s not immediately visible, try expanding the settings menu (gear icon) on the chart. Some users miss this tab because it’s hidden under a dropdown. Inside this tab, you’ll see structured information including:

• Contract size (e.g., 1 BTC per contract)
• Tick size (minimum price movement, e.g., $0.01)
• Trading hours (24/7 or session-based)
• Settlement method (cash or physical)
• Leverage options (if applicable)
  Each of these elements directly impacts how you trade and manage risk for that pair.
  

  Using the Coinbase API for Advanced Users

  
  For developers or traders using automated strategies, accessing contract details via the Coinbase Advanced Trade API is a reliable method. First, ensure you have API keys with “view” permissions enabled in your account settings. Then, make a GET request to the endpoint:
  https://api.coinbase.com/api/v3/brokerage/products
  This returns a JSON array of all available pairs. Filter the response by the product ID (e.g., “BTC-USD”) to find the contract details. Key fields include:
• contract_size
• base_increment
• quote_increment
• max_market_funds
• cancel_only
  Parsing this data programmatically ensures you always have the latest specs without manual checks. Use tools like Postman or Python’s requests library to test the call.
  

  Checking Mobile App for Contract Info

  
  If you’re using the Coinbase mobile app, the process is slightly different but equally thorough. Open the app and tap the “Trade” tab at the bottom. Search for your desired pair using the magnifying glass icon. Tap the pair to enter its trading screen. Look for a button labeled “More Info” or an “i” symbol in the top-right corner. Tapping this reveals a sheet with contract details such as minimum order size, price precision, and fee tiers. Note that mobile may not show all specs available on desktop—always cross-check critical values like leverage or expiration dates on the web version if trading futures.
  

  Common Misinterpretations to Avoid

  
  Many users confuse the spot trading pair (e.g., BTC-USD) with the futures contract (e.g., BTC-USD-240927). The contract details differ significantly between these. Always verify:
• Whether the pair is a spot or futures instrument
• The exact contract expiration (for futures)
• Whether the contract is perpetual or time-bound
  Misreading these can lead to trading the wrong instrument or misunderstanding margin requirements. For instance, a perpetual contract has no expiry but may have funding rates, while a quarterly futures contract settles on a fixed date.
  

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Q: Can I see contract details for pairs I haven’t traded before?
  
  Yes. Contract specifications are publicly accessible on Coinbase Advanced Trade. You do not need to have an open position or even a funded account to view them. Simply navigate to the pair’s page as described above.

  Q: Why don’t some pairs show a “Contract Specs” tab?
  
  This usually means the pair is a spot trading instrument, not a derivative. Spot pairs don’t have contract details in the same sense—they have base/quote increments and fee tiers instead. Check the “Info” tab for those values.

  Q: Are contract details updated in real time?
  
  No. Contract specifications are static unless Coinbase announces a change (e.g., adjusting tick size). However, market data like price and volume update in real time. Always check the “Last Updated” timestamp in the specs tab if available.

  Q: What if the contract size differs from what I expected?
  
  Contact Coinbase Support immediately. Discrepancies in contract size (e.g., expecting 1 BTC but seeing 0.001 BTC) could indicate a different contract type (mini vs. standard). Never assume—verify with official documentation.