Coinbase advanced trading function usage tutorial: limit orders and market orders

Market orders execute instantly at the current price, while limit orders let you set a specific price for buying or selling crypto on Coinbase.

Jun 28, 2025 at 09:07 pm

Understanding the Difference Between Limit Orders and Market Orders

When using Coinbase's advanced trading features, it is crucial to understand the fundamental difference between limit orders and market orders. A market order executes immediately at the best available price on the market. This type of order ensures that your trade goes through quickly, but you may not get the exact price you expected, especially in a volatile market. On the other hand, a limit order allows you to specify the maximum or minimum price at which you are willing to buy or sell a cryptocurrency. This gives you more control over the execution price, although there's no guarantee that the order will be filled.

How to Place a Market Order on Coinbase

To execute a market order on Coinbase, follow these steps:

• Log into your Coinbase account and navigate to the trading view for the cryptocurrency pair you're interested in.
• Select the "Trade" tab and choose either "Buy" or "Sell" depending on your intent.
• Under the order type section, ensure "Market Order" is selected.
• Enter the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to trade or input the fiat value if you're buying.
• Review the transaction details carefully, including the estimated cost and fees.
• Click "Buy [Cryptocurrency Name]" or "Sell [Cryptocurrency Name]" to complete the trade.

This method is ideal when speed is more important than price precision.

Setting Up a Limit Order on Coinbase

If you want to set specific conditions for your trade, using a limit order is the right choice. Here’s how to place one:

• Access the trading interface for your desired cryptocurrency pair.
• Choose "Limit Order" under the order type options.
• Input the amount of crypto you want to trade and set your target price.
• Optionally, set an expiration time for the order (e.g., GTC — Good Till Cancelled).
• Double-check all fields before confirming the trade.
• Click "Place Order" to submit your limit order to the market.

Your order will only execute if the market reaches your specified price or better.

Advanced Settings: Stop-Limit Orders and Post-Only Options

Coinbase also offers additional tools such as stop-limit orders and post-only settings for users looking to enhance their trading strategy. A stop-limit order combines elements of both stop orders and limit orders. You can use it to trigger a limit order once a certain price (the stop price) is reached. This helps manage risk by automatically entering or exiting trades based on predefined conditions.

To use a stop-limit order:

• Navigate to the order form and select "Stop-Limit" as the order type.
• Set the stop price, which activates the order.
• Define the limit price, which determines the execution price after activation.
• Enter the amount and confirm the order.

The post-only option ensures that your limit order doesn’t get executed immediately against existing orders. It guarantees that your order will only add liquidity to the market.

Monitoring and Managing Active Orders

After placing any order on Coinbase, it's essential to monitor its status. To do this:

• Go to the "Orders" section within the trading interface.
• Locate the "Open Orders" tab to see all active trades.
• You can cancel or modify limit orders from this screen.
• For filled orders, check the "Order History" or "Trade History" sections for confirmation details.

You can also set up email or app notifications to receive alerts when your orders are filled or canceled.

Tips for Choosing Between Limit and Market Orders

Deciding whether to use a limit order or a market order depends on your trading goals and market conditions. If you're entering a fast-moving market where immediate execution is critical, a market order makes sense. However, if you’re aiming for a specific entry or exit point to maximize profit or minimize loss, a limit order provides better control. In highly liquid markets, the price difference between the two order types might be negligible, but in less liquid or volatile markets, the difference can be significant.

Additionally, consider using conditional orders like stop-limit orders to automate your trading strategy and reduce emotional decision-making. Always review the fee structure associated with each order type, as maker and taker fees can vary depending on whether your order adds or removes liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if my limit order doesn't get filled?

A: If your limit order does not meet the market price, it will remain open until the set expiration date or until you manually cancel it. You can adjust the price or quantity to increase the likelihood of execution.

Q: Can I edit a market order after placing it?

A: No, market orders cannot be edited once placed because they execute instantly at the current market price. You can only cancel or replace them if they haven’t already been filled.

Q: Why did my limit order get partially filled?

A: A partial fill occurs when only part of your order meets the required price conditions. The remaining portion stays open until matched or canceled.

Q: How do I know if my order was executed as a maker or taker?

A: You can check your transaction history or trade details in your Coinbase account. Maker orders contribute liquidity (limit orders not executed immediately), while taker orders remove liquidity (market orders or limit orders that match existing ones).