DEX Pool Reserve Ratios: How to Read the Number Before a Swap
In a constant-product pool, the price is the ratio of the two reserves. Reading the reserves directly shows both price and how far a swap will move it.
Short answer
In a constant-product AMM, price = quote reserve ÷ base reserve, and depth depends on reserve size. A pool with 500 ETH and 1,500,000 USDC prices ETH at $3,000; a $30,000 buy moves the average price about 2%. Reserves expressed in USD (reserve_in_usd) can be null when a token can't be priced. Before a swap, read both raw reserves, compute the implied price and compare it with other pools; concentrated-liquidity pools need active-range liquidity instead.
What the number means
| Reading | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Quote ÷ base reserve | Spot price (constant product) |
| Larger reserves | Less impact per swap |
| reserve_in_usd null | One side unpriced |
| Concentrated pool | Use active liquidity |
Check DEX Pool Reserve Ratios against a live market before relying on it.
Try it in ChartsPodChecks before the swap
Example
Worked: pool B holds 20 ETH and 60,600 USDC → $3,030. The 1% gap to pool A reflects its thin reserves; arbitrage would close it at a cost.
Related: DEX Price Impact: How to Read the Number Before a Swap, DEX Pool Reserve Data: Null vs Zero - Handle Missing Fields Correctly.
In a constant-product AMM, price = quote reserve ÷ base reserve, and depth depends on reserve size.
Compare DEX Pool Reserve Ratios across Binance, Bybit, OKX and Hyperliquid markets.
Open markets in ChartsPodQuestions readers ask
How do reserves set the price?
Quote reserve divided by base reserve in constant-product pools.
Why is reserve_in_usd null?
A token can't be priced.
Does this work for concentrated pools?
Use active liquidity instead.
Sources and methodology
DEX Screener behaviour comes from its official documentation; pool and token concepts from CoinGecko, Uniswap, Raydium and Solana documentation, as read on 17 October 2026. Examples use illustrative numbers and do not refer to any real token. Nothing here is a recommendation to trade any token.
- Uniswap: Concentrated liquidity — active liquidity within price ranges.
- CoinGecko onchain API: Top pools by token address (pool schema) — pool fields and nullability (fdv_usd, market_cap_usd, reserve_in_usd).
This article explains research tools and workflows. It is not financial advice, does not recommend buying or selling any asset and does not predict prices. Crypto derivatives carry a risk of rapid and total loss of margin.
CHARTSPOD EDITORIAL EDITION · RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ONLY · NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE.