How to set a slippage limit for a token swap
A slippage limit caps how far a token price can move before your swap fails. Connect your wallet, open DEX settings, and choose a value based on liquidity.
Vahe HakobyanEditor-in-chief
Updated Oct 6, 20263 min readFact-checked
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The limit caps how far the price can move between the quote and the fill. If the market moves past it, the swap fails instead of filling at a much worse price.
What you need before you start
You set the limit in the DEX interface, so you need a wallet that can connect to that DEX. The wallet must hold the token you want to swap and enough of the network's native token for gas. Gas is the fee paid to the network.
- A wallet connected to the correct network
- Enough native token for gas
- The token contract address from a trusted source
How to set slippage step by step
The slippage setting is in the swap panel, usually behind a gear icon. You choose a custom value before you confirm. No single setting fits every token or DEX, so check the pool before you decide.
- 1Connect your walletOpen the DEX and connect the wallet that holds the token. Check the network and your gas balance.
- 2Open swap settingsFind the gear or settings icon in the swap panel. Switch from the default to Custom.
- 3Choose custom slippageBase the limit on the token's liquidity and recent price volatility. A thin or volatile token usually needs a wider limit than a deep, steady one.
- 4Check price impactPrice impact is the pool change your trade causes, not the slippage limit. The minimum received field shows the least you will get if the swap fills.
- 5Confirm and monitorApprove the token if asked, then confirm the swap. Watch it in your wallet or a block explorer until it succeeds or fails.
What to do after the swap
Keep records for US taxes. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so a token swap is usually a taxable event. Save the details before you move on.
Slippage mistakes to avoid
Most problems come from treating the slippage limit as a promise or as one number that fits every trade. The limit changes the range of prices you accept, and it works with liquidity and recent price moves.
Frequently asked questions
The swap does not go through, and your tokens usually stay in your wallet. You still pay the network gas fee for the failed transaction.
No. It widens the price range you accept, so a fill is more likely, but the swap can still fill at a worse price or fail for other reasons.
No. The limit is part of the transaction you approve, so you cannot edit it after you submit. You can start a new swap with a different setting.
