Definition
Asks form the selling side of an order book. The lowest available ask is the best ask, which an immediate buyer normally encounters first. It is an outstanding offer, not proof that a trade has already occurred.
How It Works
If a hypothetical seller offers 3 units at 101 USDT, a buyer can accept some or all of that quantity under the matching rules. Buying more may require taking higher asks. A sell limit above all available bids can remain in the book rather than execute immediately.
Key Considerations
A displayed ask can change before the buyer’s order arrives. The lowest price may cover only a small amount, so it is not necessarily the average cost of a larger purchase. A large sell wall does not guarantee resistance: it can be removed, and unseen demand may absorb it.