What is an Option Chain?

Definition:

An option chain is a listing of all available option contracts, both puts and calls, for a given underlying security. It shows all puts, calls, strike prices, and pricing information for a single underlying asset within a given expiration period.

đŸ€” Understanding an option

An option chain is a visual display of a range of information that comes in handy when an investor is looking to trade options. An option is a contract that gives the owner the right to buy (in the case of a call option) or sell (in the case of a put option) a security at a certain price, up until a specified expiration date. An option chain provides a visual tool for investors to see all available option contracts, both puts and calls, for a given underlying security. It shows all puts, calls, strike prices, and pricing information for a single underlying asset within a given expiration period. The display connects all the information in the form of a chain, but you might hear the same thing referred to as an option matrix.

Example

Here's an example of an options chain:

Takeaway

An option chain is like a restaurant menu.

It tells you what is available and for what price. Like most menus, they generally look and feel the same. But, depending on which restaurant you dine at, certain things may look different, or be arranged differently. Sometimes you can only read a menu, but once you’re seated you can order food from your server. When you decide what you want to order, you can choose one item, or a combination of items to create the meal that works for your individual situation.

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Can options be traded through option chains, or are they just an information portal?

It depends. If you are on your broker’s trading platform you can potentially use the options chain to create an order (assuming you are approved to do so and have the necessary funds and account type).

However, if you are searching the Internet, there are some sites that provide an options chain to display information, but you would not be able to use it to trade options.

What am I looking at when I see an options chain?

A good place to start is familiarizing yourself with the meanings of certain labels on columns you will see in an option chain:

  • Symbol: Every option has a symbol, just like its underlying stock. This is called the options OPRA code. OPRA stands for the Options Price Reporting Authority. An options OPRA code can look a bit cryptic, but it essentially combines all of the pertinent information for the option into one long symbol for the option.
  • Volume: Volume tells you how many contracts of a particular option were traded during the most recent trading session.
  • Last price: The last price is the most recently posted trade on an option.
  • Strike: Strike, or strike price, or exercise price, is the price the seller is obligated to buy (in the case of a put option) or sell (in the case of a call option) at anytime through an option’s expiration date.
  • Put and call: When viewing an option chain, the prices of call options and put options will be listed separately. Traditionally, calls are listed on the left side of the option chain, and puts are on the right. But some brokers will display these separately, meaning a page for call options, and a separate page for put options.
  • Closing price: The closing price is the final price at which any stock or option trades during regular hours on any day.
  • Change: A change column will show you how much the last price, or the most recent price at which an option was last traded, varied from the previous day’s closing price. This can be displayed in dollar terms, referred to as the Change, or percentage terms, referred to as % Change.
  • Bid and ask: These columns show the prices at which buyers and sellers are willing to trade. The bid price is the highest price someone is willing to pay for an option. The ask price is the lowest price someone is willing to sell an option for.
  • Open interest: Open interest indicates the total number of contracts of a certain option that are currently open. These are the amount of contracts yet to be closed or exercised and settled into the underlying stock or instrument.

You may not see this on your option chain, but having knowledge about the concepts of call and put options being ‘in, at, or out of the money’ is crucial when you’re analyzing information on an option chain and making a decision about a potential trade. Learn more about what is meant by options being ‘in the money,’ ‘at the money,’ or ‘out of the money' here.

Are there risks associated with trading options?

Yes! Options trading entails significant risk and is not for everyone. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk. You can learn more about these risks by reviewing the options disclosure document titled Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options, available here or through https://www.theocc.com. It’s important to consider your investment objectives and risks carefully before trading options. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.

Ready to start investing?
Sign up for Robinhood and get stock on us.Certain limitations apply

New customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. The cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at rbnhd.co/freestock. Securities trading is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC.

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Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

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This information is educational, and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. This information is not a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell an investment or financial product, or take any action. This information is neither individualized nor a research report, and must not serve as the basis for any investment decision. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results or returns. Before making decisions with legal, tax, or accounting effects, you should consult appropriate professionals. Information is from sources deemed reliable on the date of publication, but Robinhood does not guarantee its accuracy.

Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.

Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs and options refers to $0 commissions for Robinhood Financial self-directed individual cash or margin brokerage accounts that trade U.S. listed securities and certain OTC securities electronically. Keep in mind, other fees such as trading (non-commission) fees, Gold subscription fees, wire transfer fees, and paper statement fees may apply to your brokerage account. Check out Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule for details.

Brokerage services are offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, (RHF) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and clearing services through Robinhood Securities, LLC, (RHS) a registered broker dealer (member SIPC). Cryptocurrency services are offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (RHC) (NMLS ID: 1702840). Robinhood Crypto is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. The Robinhood spending account is offered through Robinhood Money, LLC (RHY) (NMLS ID: 1990968), a licensed money transmitter. A list of our licenses has more information. The Robinhood Cash Card is a prepaid card issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from MastercardÂź. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are affiliated entities and wholly owned subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. RHF, RHY, RHC and RHS are not banks. Products offered by RHF are not FDIC insured and involve risk, including possible loss of principal. RHC is not a member of FINRA and accounts are not FDIC insured or protected by SIPC. RHY is not a member of FINRA, and products are not subject to SIPC protection, but funds held in the Robinhood spending account and Robinhood Cash Card account may be eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance (review the Robinhood Cash Card Agreement and the Robinhood Spending Account Agreement).

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