Skip to main content

What is the best way to sell a stock (USD amount vs. share quantity)?

N
Written by Nathaniel O'Dell

When selling a stock, it’s recommended that you enter your order by share quantity (number of shares) rather than by a specific USD amount.

Why Choose Share Quantity?

  • More precise execution — You specify the exact number of shares you want to sell.

  • Fewer rounding issues — Selling by dollar amount can sometimes require share rounding.

  • Reduced risk of transaction errors — Orders placed in USD may occasionally round up, which can result in an execution error if you attempt to sell more shares than you own.

Best Practice

To ensure a smooth transaction and avoid potential order rejections, enter the exact number of shares you want to sell whenever possible.

If you’re unsure how many shares to sell, you can review your holdings before placing the order.

Did this answer your question?