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DEX · DECIMAL PRECISION

Token Decimal Precision: How to Read the Number Before a Swap

Token decimals tell software how to turn raw integer amounts into human-readable numbers. Get them wrong and every amount is off by powers of ten.

By ChartsPod Editorial Team · Reviewed by ChartsPod Research
Published · Updated · 5 min read

Short answer

Each token defines decimals (Solana's mint account includes them; EVM tokens expose them in the contract). Raw onchain amounts are integers; displayed amount = raw ÷ 10^decimals. Before a swap, check decimals on the explorer, especially for unfamiliar tokens, scripts or manual transactions. A mismatch makes supply, balances, prices and minimum-received amounts wrong by factors of 10, 1,000 or more. Tools usually handle this; custom scripts and copy-pasted amounts often don't.

What the number means

ReadingInterpretation
Decimals = 6Raw 1,000,000 = 1 token
Decimals = 9Raw 1,000,000,000 = 1 token
Decimals = 18Raw 10^18 = 1 token
MismatchAmounts off by 10^difference
Illustrative: same raw amount read with different decimals (tokens)Illustrative: same raw amount read with different decimals (tokens): Correct (6) 1,000 ; Wrong (9) 1 ; Wrong (3) 1,000,000 .ILLUSTRATIVE: SAME RAW AMOUNT READ WITH DIFFERENT DECIMALS (TOKENS)Correct (6)1,000Wrong (9)1Wrong (3)1,000,000
Raw 1,000,000,000 shown three ways. Original ChartsPod editorial graphic.

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Checks before the swap

Decimal Precision checksDecimal Precision checks: Decimals from explorer; Script uses same decimals; Minimum-received sanity check; Supply matches DEX tool; Small test transaction.DECIMAL PRECISION CHECKSDecimals from explorerScript uses same decimalsMinimum-received sanity checkSupply matches DEX toolSmall test transaction
Each takes under a minute. Original ChartsPod editorial graphic.

Example

Illustrative: a script swaps '1000' units of a 9-decimal token believing it has 6 decimals, sending 1/1000 of the intended amount. In the reverse mistake it would send 1,000 times more.

Related: Token Supply Errors: Reconcile FDV With Contract Data, How to Find a Solana Token by Mint Address, Not Ticker.

Each token defines decimals (Solana's mint account includes them; EVM tokens expose them in the contract).

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Questions readers ask

What are token decimals?

How many decimal places convert raw integers to token amounts.

Where do I check them?

On the explorer (mint account or contract).

Do DEX interfaces handle decimals?

Usually; custom scripts are the common risk.

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.

  1. Solana: Assets on Solana (tokens) — mint accounts, supply, decimals, mint and freeze authority.

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.