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Limit Order

Trading Term

A Limit order is an order to buy or sell an instrument at a specified price or better. While a Limit order ensures that if the order fills, it will not fill at a price less favorable than your limit price, it does not guarantee that the order will be filled.

Here’s How it Works

  • Buy Limit Order: An investor sets the maximum price they’re willing to pay. The order will only execute at that price or lower.
  • Sell Limit Order: An investor sets the minimum price they’re willing to accept. The order will only execute at that price or higher.

Example

  • An investor wants to buy a stock currently trading at $50 but only if it drops to $48.
    • They place a buy limit order at $48.
    • The order will only fill if the price falls to $48 or below.
  • Alternatively, an investor owns a stock at $50 and wants to sell if it reaches $55.
    • They place a sell limit order at $55.
    • It will execute only if the price hits $55 or higher.

Key Points

  • Gives control over price, but no guarantee the order will fill if the market doesn’t reach the limit price.
  • Often used when an investor is not in a rush and wants a better price than what’s currently available.

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