Meaning and execution
A limit sets an acceptable price, not mandatory execution of the entire quantity. Investor.gov explains that a purchase may execute at the limit or below, while a sale may execute at the limit or above.[4](#source-cm-orders) A more favorable price therefore does not contradict the boundary, but the absence of a suitable opposite offer can leave the order unfilled.
Partial fills and limits
The validity period and the treatment of a partial remainder are determined separately. From an observed trade at the required price, one cannot infer execution of a particular order without considering time and quantity. An average price also does not replace checking individual confirmations. This definition does not recommend a limit order as a universally safe choice: price control does not remove the risk of non-execution. The [guide to order types](/guides/market-limit-orders/) shows the difference between a boundary, quantity and confirmed result without trading tactics.