What is spread (trading)?
The gap between the best buy and sell price on the order book.
Beginner 2 min readUpdated 5/27/2026
Risk warning. Crypto is volatile and trading involves risk, including the loss of your capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is educational and is not financial advice.
In trading, the spread is the difference between the highest price buyers will pay (bid) and the lowest price sellers will accept (ask).
- A tight spread means a liquid, active market.
- A wide spread means fewer participants and higher trading cost.
Market orders effectively pay the spread, so on wide-spread markets a limit order can save you money.