> ## Documentation Index
>
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://lithi.ai/llms.txt
>
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

---
title: Understand your quote
description: >-
  Learn the difference between a free quote preview and the signed quote
  your account approves, and what each one actually lets you do.
route: /docs/compute/quotes
page_id: docs-compute-quotes
page_type: concept
content_layer: guided documentation
surface_profile: guided_docs
audience: Compute customers and organization admins
voice: D
reader_question: What's the difference between a quote preview and a signed quote?
primary_action: Run one Compute job
source_locale: en-US
source_status: APPROVED
source_version: docs-compute-quotes-en-us-2026-09-03-v1
last_updated: '2026-09-03'
robots: index
---

## Two objects share one name

Lithi Compute returns two different objects named quote, and mixing them up is a common mistake. A free preview estimates fit and price. A signed quote is the one your account can approve and run.

## What each one lets you do

| Free preview | Signed quote |
|---|---|
| No account | Account required |
| Non-authorizing | Approved to run |
| Cannot run | Required before running |

## Review before you approve

Read the maximum charge, the capacity state, and the expiry on a signed quote before you approve it. Approval is a separate step, never an automatic result of requesting the quote.

## If a quote expires or changes

A signed quote is short-lived and tied to your account. Request a fresh one if it expires, or if the task, price, or your account state changes first.