Understanding Order Types: Market, Limit, Stop-Loss & More.

Understanding Order Types: Market, Limit, Stop-Loss & More

When you trade in the stock market, placing the right type of order is just as important as picking the right stock. Understanding order types helps you control how and when your trades are executed — and can protect you from unnecessary losses. Let's break it down in simple terms.

1️⃣

Market Order

A Market Order is when you want to buy or sell immediately at the best available price.

Best for: Quick execution
Risk: Price may change slightly before the trade completes
Example: You see a stock trading at ₹500 and want to buy it instantly — you place a market order.
2️⃣

Limit Order

A Limit Order lets you set the exact price at which you want to buy or sell. The trade will only happen if the market reaches your set price.

Best for: Controlling the price you pay or receive
Risk: Your trade may not execute if the price doesn't reach your limit
Example: You want to buy a stock only if it drops to ₹480 — you place a buy limit order at ₹480.
3️⃣

Stop-Loss Order

A Stop-Loss Order is designed to protect you from big losses. You set a trigger price, and if the stock hits that price, your position is closed automatically.

Best for: Limiting losses
Risk: In volatile markets, execution may happen at a slightly worse price
Example: You bought a stock at ₹500 and want to limit your loss to ₹20. You place a stop-loss at ₹480.
4️⃣

Stop-Limit Order

This combines a stop-loss and limit order. Once the stop price is reached, a limit order is placed instead of a market order.

Best for: Having better control during volatility
Risk: Your order may not get executed if price moves too fast
5️⃣

Trailing Stop Order

A Trailing Stop moves automatically with the stock price to protect profits.

Best for: Locking in profits while letting gains grow
Risk: May trigger early in volatile conditions
Example: You set a trailing stop ₹10 below the highest price. If stock rises, your stop price moves up too.

Key Takeaways

  • Market Order → Fast execution, no price guarantee
  • Limit Order → Price control, but no execution guarantee
  • Stop-Loss Order → Protects you from large losses
  • Trailing Stop → Protects profits while allowing growth

Learn to Trade Like a Pro

Mastering order types — like Market, Limit, Stop-Loss, and Trailing Stop — is just the beginning of becoming a successful trader. At Traders Training Academy, we teach you how to use these order types effectively.

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