Estimate your cross-chain swap payout before you send

A cross-chain swap payout is the amount of the destination asset expected to arrive after the swap and its fees. The quoted amount is an estimate because pool prices and network costs can change before the trade completes. Check the destination amount and the minimum you will accept before sending funds.

For a THORChain swap, the asset can pass through RUNE, the network’s linking asset, on the way from one pool to another. The user sees one swap, while the protocol handles those steps behind the scenes. For more detail on that route, see thor swap. The same basic estimate applies across swap services: start with the amount that should reach your destination wallet, not just the advertised exchange rate.

What determines the payout from a cross-chain swap?

The payout depends on the amount you send, the available liquidity and the fees on both chains. Liquidity is the pool of assets available for trades. A larger swap can move a pool’s price more, which reduces the amount you receive. This effect is called price impact.

There are usually several costs to consider. The source chain charges a transaction fee to send your funds. The swap may also charge a fee based on the trade and the pool’s liquidity. A destination-chain fee may come out of the payout to cover the transfer to your wallet. Some services show these costs separately; others include them in the displayed estimate.

How do you read a swap quote?

Enter the exact amount and check the estimated amount on the destination side. That figure is the most useful starting point, but look at the details before approving the swap:

• Destination amount: The asset and quantity expected in your receiving wallet.
• Fees: Which charges come out of your input and which reduce your payout.
• Price impact: How much the trade may move the pool price.
• Minimum received: The lowest payout the swap will accept, if the service offers this setting.

For example, a quote may show a payout that looks attractive before fees, but a destination-chain charge can reduce what lands in your wallet. Compare the final destination amount, not just the exchange rate between the two assets.

Can the payout change after you get a quote?

Yes. The quote can change if the pool price moves, liquidity shifts or network fees update before the swap completes. A minimum received setting acts as a floor: if the trade cannot meet it, the swap may stop or return funds, depending on the service’s rules.

Before sending, confirm the destination network and address, and make sure the minimum payout is acceptable. For most readers, the clearest estimate is the final amount shown after fees, paired with a minimum received that reflects the least they are willing to take.