bitpontHow to Read a Swap Quote — Amounts, Minimum Output and Costs
A worked example separating token units, slippage, price impact and account setup.
Updated 25 October 2026
Start with direction and units
An illustrative quote sells 0.5 SOL for an estimated 50 USDC. The input is 0.5 SOL; the output estimate is 50 USDC; the implied quoted rate is 100 USDC per SOL. This is not a live price. Swapping in the reverse direction produces its own quote and costs.
Minimum output is a separate field
Suppose the review shows minimum received of 49.75 USDC. The 0.25-USDC difference from the estimate is 0.5% of 50. That illustrates the allowed output difference in this simplified example. Use the threshold actually returned in your quote; rounding, route construction and the asset’s precision matter.
Slippage is not price impact
Slippage tolerance bounds acceptable changes for the transaction under its quoted conditions. Price impact estimates how your size changes execution against available liquidity. Raising slippage does not create liquidity or remove price impact, and can permit a less favorable result.
Separate token output from extra costs
Review how the quote reports route and interface fees. SOL network fees and account rent can be additional to the tokens being exchanged. A separate setup transaction can cost SOL even if you later abandon the trade. Do not subtract a fee twice if it is already reflected in the displayed output; use the quote details and fee schedule.
Check the outcome in the wallet
After confirmation, compare the actual token changes and the transaction’s success status. Your SOL change may include network costs in addition to any SOL sold. Keep the signature to reconcile the operation. A chart rate is useful context but is not your executable quote.