> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://flowrouter.gitbook.io/flowrouter-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://flowrouter.gitbook.io/flowrouter-docs/use-flowrouter/quotes-and-routes.md).

# Quotes and route previews

Read the swap quote and understand how route freshness affects execution.

A quote estimates the result of a specific token pair and input amount using the available routing data. It can change as liquidity, balances, and network conditions change.

## Read the quote details

| Detail                  | Meaning                                                                     |
| ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Output amount           | The quoted amount of the token you would buy.                               |
| Rate                    | The exchange rate implied by the quote.                                     |
| Minimum received        | The minimum output enforced by the prepared swap.                           |
| Estimated output in USD | An optional dollar estimate based on available price data.                  |
| Estimated network fee   | An estimate of the swap's gas cost in ETH.                                  |
| Quote age               | How recently the quote was prepared. Use Refresh when you need a new quote. |

Gas estimates can change before submission. A separate approval transaction has its own fee.

The quoted output also matters if execution produces extra output: the router's current [positive-surplus policy](/flowrouter-docs/use-flowrouter/slippage-and-fees.md#output-above-the-quote) caps the amount sent to the recipient at the quote.

## Read the route preview

The preview shows how value moves from the sell token to the buy token. Depending on available liquidity, the route can contain intermediate tokens, more than one venue, and branches that split and later combine.

A multi-hop route can be useful when there is more liquidity through an intermediate token than in a direct pair. A split route can use liquidity from multiple pools. More hops do not automatically mean a better result; review output and fees together.

Venue labels describe the quoted route. They are not a promise that every pair on that venue is supported. The [routing explanation](/flowrouter-docs/how-it-works/routing.md) covers the underlying model.

## Dollar estimates and market status

Some token prices may be missing, stale, paused, or based on a market that is closed. The app may omit a dollar value when it cannot display a suitable estimate.

The transaction's amounts are denominated in tokens. A USD estimate is presentation data and does not replace the output amount or minimum received.

## Quotes expire

A preview does not reserve liquidity. Starting a swap obtains a fresh quote for the connected account, and a completed approval triggers another refresh before the swap is built.

Changing the account, network, pair, amount, or slippage can invalidate the earlier quote. A quote that remains visible on screen is not permission to submit an old transaction.