Essential

Currency Pair

Two currencies quoted against each other, showing how much of one currency is needed to buy the other.

Definition

A currency pair consists of two currencies where the value of one is quoted against the other. The first currency is the base currency, and the second is the quote currency. EUR/USD = 1.1000 means 1 euro costs 1.10 US dollars.

How It Works

  • EUR/USD: EUR is base, USD is quote
  • Price shows quote currency per 1 base currency
  • Going long = buying base, selling quote
  • Going short = selling base, buying quote

Types of Currency Pair

Major Pairs

Include USD (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY)

Minor Pairs

No USD (EUR/GBP, AUD/NZD)

Exotic Pairs

Include emerging market currency

Trading Tips

1

Major pairs have tightest spreads

2

Exotic pairs can have significant spreads

3

Understand which currency you're buying/selling

Back to Glossary
Start Trading

Put Your Knowledge Into Practice

Compare regulated brokers and find the best one for your trading style.

JD

James D. from London

matched with AvaTrade

2 minutes ago