GeckoTerminal Top-Pool Data: Event Time vs Retrieval Time
Top-pool rankings are cached snapshots sorted by a chosen metric. The order you see reflects the cache time and sort rule, not a live ranking.
Short answer
CoinGecko's top-pools-by-token endpoint returns up to 20 pools per page, sorted by default by 24h volume relative to liquidity (other sorts: transaction count, volume). Responses are cached every 30 seconds on paid plans and 60 on demo. Each pool carries pool_created_at but no update time. Store retrieval time and sort rule with every snapshot; compare rankings by pool address across snapshots.
Which times the data carries
| Time | Present? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| pool_created_at | Yes | Pool creation (UTC) |
| Retrieval time | No | Record it |
| Cache | 30 s / 60 s | Snapshot age |
| Sort rule | Request parameter | Defines 'top' |
Compare GeckoTerminal Top-Pool Data across Binance, Bybit, OKX and Hyperliquid markets.
Open markets in ChartsPodWhat to record yourself
| Field to store | Why |
|---|---|
| retrieved_at | Snapshot time |
| sort | Ranking definition |
| pool address | Identity |
| reserve_in_usd | Liquidity (nullable) |
| page | Position context |
Example
Illustrative: the default sort (volume relative to liquidity) puts a small, very active pool first; sorting by 24h volume puts the deepest pool first. Both are 'top pools'.
Related: GeckoTerminal Token OHLCV: Event Time vs Retrieval Time, GeckoTerminal New-Pool Data: Event Time vs Retrieval Time.
Store retrieval time and sort rule with every snapshot; compare rankings by pool address across snapshots.
Check GeckoTerminal Top-Pool Data against a live market before relying on it.
Try it in ChartsPodQuestions readers ask
How are top pools ranked?
By default, 24h volume relative to liquidity.
How fresh is the list?
Cached 30 s (paid) or 60 s (demo).
What timestamp is included?
pool_created_at.
Sources and methodology
Field definitions come from DEX Screener's API reference and CoinGecko's onchain API documentation, read 17 October 2026. Where a schema doesn't document a timestamp, this guide says so and recommends recording retrieval time yourself.
- CoinGecko API: Top pools by token address — pool_created_at; cache 30 s paid / 60 s demo; 20 pools per page; sort options.
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