What is the difference between Bybit's market order and limit order? Which one is faster?

On Bybit, market orders execute instantly at the best available price, while limit orders offer price control but may take longer to fill. Choose based on your trading strategy.

May 14, 2025 at 10:35 am

When trading on Bybit, one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, understanding the differences between market orders and limit orders is crucial for effective trading. Market orders and limit orders serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics that can impact your trading strategy. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of each order type, compare their speed, and provide detailed insights on how to use them effectively on Bybit.

What is a Market Order?

A market order is an order to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at the best available price in the market at the time the order is placed. The primary goal of a market order is to execute the trade as quickly as possible, regardless of the price.

• Execution Speed: Market orders are known for their speed. When you place a market order, it is executed almost instantly, as it matches with the best available price in the order book.
• Price Certainty: While market orders offer quick execution, they do not guarantee a specific price. The price at which your order is filled can vary, especially in volatile markets.
• Use Case: Market orders are ideal for traders who prioritize speed over price, such as when entering or exiting a position quickly to capitalize on short-term market movements.

How to Place a Market Order on Bybit

To place a market order on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Log into your Bybit account.
• Navigate to the trading page of the cryptocurrency you wish to trade.
• Select the 'Market' order type from the order form.
• Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell.
• Review your order to ensure all details are correct.
• Click 'Buy' or 'Sell' to execute the market order.

What is a Limit Order?

A limit order is an order to buy or sell a cryptocurrency at a specific price or better. Unlike market orders, limit orders allow you to set the price at which you are willing to trade, providing more control over the execution price.

• Execution Speed: Limit orders are not executed immediately unless the market price reaches your specified limit price. This means that limit orders can take longer to execute than market orders.
• Price Certainty: With limit orders, you have the advantage of price certainty. Your order will only be filled at your specified price or better, which can be crucial in volatile markets.
• Use Case: Limit orders are suitable for traders who want to control the price at which they enter or exit a position, especially when they are not in a hurry to execute the trade.

How to Place a Limit Order on Bybit

To place a limit order on Bybit, follow these steps:

• Log into your Bybit account.
• Navigate to the trading page of the cryptocurrency you wish to trade.
• Select the 'Limit' order type from the order form.
• Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell.
• Set the limit price at which you want the order to be executed.
• Review your order to ensure all details are correct.
• Click 'Buy' or 'Sell' to place the limit order.

Which Order Type is Faster?

Market orders are generally faster than limit orders. When you place a market order, it is executed almost instantly at the best available price. In contrast, a limit order is only executed when the market price reaches your specified limit price, which can take time or may not happen at all if the market does not move in your favor.

• Market Order Speed: Market orders are designed for immediate execution, making them the faster option.
• Limit Order Speed: Limit orders can be slower because they are contingent on the market reaching your specified price.

Choosing Between Market and Limit Orders

The choice between a market order and a limit order depends on your trading goals and the market conditions.

• For Speed: If you need to enter or exit a position quickly, a market order is the better choice. It ensures that your order is executed immediately, albeit at the current market price.
• For Price Control: If you prioritize controlling the price at which you trade, a limit order is more suitable. It allows you to set a specific price, but you may have to wait for the market to reach that price.

Practical Examples of Market and Limit Orders

To illustrate the differences, consider these practical examples:

• Market Order Example: You want to buy Bitcoin quickly because you believe its price is about to surge. You place a market order to buy 1 BTC, and it is executed immediately at the current market price of $50,000.
• Limit Order Example: You believe Bitcoin will reach $55,000 soon, but you do not want to pay more than that. You place a limit order to buy 1 BTC at $55,000. Your order will only be filled if the price drops to $55,000 or lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I cancel a market order once it is placed on Bybit?

A: No, once a market order is placed on Bybit, it is executed immediately and cannot be canceled. However, you can cancel a limit order if it has not been filled yet.

Q: What happens if my limit order is not filled on Bybit?

A: If your limit order is not filled, it will remain in the order book until it is either filled or canceled by you. You can set an expiration time for your limit order to ensure it does not remain active indefinitely.

Q: Are there any fees associated with market and limit orders on Bybit?

A: Yes, Bybit charges trading fees for both market and limit orders. The fee structure depends on your trading volume and whether you are a maker or a taker. Market orders are typically charged as taker fees, while limit orders can be charged as maker fees if they add liquidity to the order book.

Q: Can I use both market and limit orders in the same trading strategy on Bybit?

A: Yes, many traders use a combination of market and limit orders in their trading strategies. For example, you might use a market order to enter a position quickly and then set a limit order to exit at a specific price to lock in profits.