Browse Market Structure

Indirect Quote in Foreign Exchange: Definition and Comparison with Direct Quote

An indirect quote in foreign exchange markets expresses the amount of foreign currency required to buy or sell one unit of the domestic currency.

On this page

An indirect quote expresses the domestic currency price in terms of foreign currency units.

Why It Matters

Indirect quotes are useful when a market wants to express how much foreign currency one unit of domestic currency can buy.

  • Direct Quote: The opposite quotation format.
  • Cross Rate: A related way of expressing exchange relationships between currencies.
  • Exchange Rate: The general pricing concept behind both quote styles.

FAQs

What is the difference between a direct and indirect quote?

A direct quote expresses foreign currency in domestic units, while an indirect quote expresses domestic currency in foreign units.

Why do some countries prefer indirect quotes?

They may prefer them because they align with local market conventions and can make home-currency value easier to read.
Revised on Monday, May 18, 2026