text: Stocks are quoted with bid and ask prices. \n\nIf you place a small market order to buy, you will get filled near the ask. If you place a small market order to sell you will get filled near the bid. Market orders execute at the best market price going.\n\nWith a limit order you specify a maximum price you will pay or minimum price you will sell for. You might not get filled with a limit order.\n\nIf you really want to buy at the market, place a limit order 5 or 10 cents above the ask. Do the same below the bid if you want to sell. This way, if there is a moment of illiquidity, you're not getting filled at some outrageous price.