What “unfilled” means in forex order records
In forex trading, an order is “filled” when your requested quantity is executed by the market. An order can also be “unfilled” (no execution yet) or “partially filled” (some execution, with remaining quantity still pending). In an order list inside a trading platform such as cTrader, these differences typically show up through order status values and a remaining/left volume figure.
A practical way to interpret “unfilled” is: the order is still working, and the platform indicates that there is remaining quantity that has not been executed.
How to find unfilled orders using order status and remaining volume
To find unfilled orders, you generally use three independent checks in the platform’s order interface:
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Order status: Look for statuses that correspond to working/pending. Many platforms separate “filled,” “partially filled,” and “canceled/expired,” and keep unfilled orders among the working/pending group.
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Remaining quantity (or “volume left”): Even when an order is not fully executed, it may show a non-zero remaining volume. If remaining volume is shown as zero, it is effectively fully filled.
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Order type and direction: Ensure you are viewing the order type you care about (for example, limit vs. stop) and the correct side (buy/sell). A common mistake is confusing working orders for positions, or mixing different order types.
If your interface provides tabs or filters (such as Active/Working vs. Executed/Filled), start with the Active/Working view, then narrow using status and instrument.
Example checks when results look wrong
If you cannot clearly identify unfilled orders, use these verification checks:
- Compare order history vs. open orders: Executions usually appear in a different place than working orders. If an order is not in the open/working list, it may have been fully filled, canceled, or expired.
- Re-check after edits: If you cancel or modify an order, the platform may move it to a different state. Confirm the status after any change.
- Match instrument and time-in-force: Orders can expire depending on time-in-force. If your filter is set to show only working orders, an expired order will not appear as unfilled.
These checks help you independently confirm that you are looking at orders that are still pending execution.
Limitations and risks of relying only on the order screen
Order lists are system states, not future promises. Status values can change quickly as prices move and as executions occur. Also, different platforms may label statuses slightly differently, and some UIs may hide details like remaining volume unless you expand the order.
Because “unfilled” depends on the platform’s current status, the only reliable method is to check the live status and remaining quantity displayed for each order. No conclusion about future execution can be inferred from the fact that an order is currently unfilled.