Options Profit Calculator

Use the TipRanks Options Profit Calculator to estimate your potential profit or loss from an options trade. Simply enter the type of option, strike price, expiration date, and current market price of the underlying asset.

Calculator

Options Type
Call
Share Price
$
Option Price
$
Strike Price
$
Number Of Contracts
Each contract is 100 shares.
Options Profit or Losses
# of Shares = Contracts X 100
Share Price
X
Shares
Value
Strike Price
X
Shares
Execution
Options Price
X
Shares
Cost
Options profit is calculated by subtracting the strike price and option price from the current share price and multiplying by the number of contracts (100 shares).

How to Calculate Options Profits?

Calculating options profits involves considering several key factors and using a mathematical formula.
To calculate options profits, you need to follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Determine the option type and underlying asset.
    Options can be either call options or put options. A call option gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset, while a put option gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset.

  • Step 2: Identify the option's strike price and expiration date.
    The strike price is the predetermined price at which the option can be exercised. The expiration date is the date on which the option contract expires.

  • Step 3: Gather the current price of the underlying asset.
    The current price of the underlying asset is the market price at the time of the calculation. This can be obtained from a financial news source or a trading platform.

  • Step 4: Consider the premium paid or received for the option.
    The premium is the cost or income associated with buying or selling an option. It represents the price the option buyer pays and the option seller receives.

  • Step 5: Calculate the intrinsic value.
    For call options, the intrinsic value is calculated by subtracting the strike price from the current price of the underlying asset. If the result is positive, the intrinsic value is that positive amount; otherwise, it is zero.
    For put options, the intrinsic value is calculated by subtracting the current price of the underlying asset from the strike price. If the result is positive, the intrinsic value is that positive amount; otherwise, it is zero.

  • Step 6: Determine the time value.
    The time value is the portion of the option premium that is not accounted for by the intrinsic value. It represents the value attributed to the potential for the option to move in or out of the money before expiration.

  • Step 7: Calculate the breakeven point.
    The breakeven point for a call option is the strike price plus the premium paid. For a put option, it is the strike price minus the premium paid.

  • Step 8: Determine the maximum profit and maximum loss.
    For call options, the maximum profit is theoretically unlimited if the underlying asset price rises significantly. The maximum loss is limited to the premium paid.
    For put options, the maximum profit is limited to the strike price minus the premium received, while the maximum loss is theoretically unlimited if the underlying asset price rises significantly.

  • Step 9: Calculate the net profit or loss.
    To calculate the net profit or loss, subtract the premium paid (for a long position) or add the premium received (for a short position) from the final option value at expiration. The final option value is the sum of the intrinsic value and time value at expiration.


It's important to note that the calculation of options profits is based on theoretical models and assumptions. Actual profits may vary due to factors such as bid-ask spreads, market conditions, and transaction costs. It's always recommended to consult with a financial professional or use a reliable options profit calculator to ensure accurate calculations.

What is an Options Contract?

An options contract is a financial instrument that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price within a specified time period. It represents an agreement between two parties, the buyer (also known as the holder or owner) and the seller (also known as the writer).
Here are some key points about options contracts:

  • Types of options: There are two main types of options: call options and put options.
    Call options: A call option gives the holder the right to buy the underlying asset at the strike price before or on the expiration date.
    Put options: A put option gives the holder the right to sell the underlying asset at the strike price before or on the expiration date.

  • Underlying asset: Every options contract is linked to an underlying asset, which can be stocks, indexes, commodities, currencies, or other financial instruments.

  • Strike price: The strike price, also known as the exercise price, is the price at which the underlying asset can be bought or sold if the option is exercised. It is specified in the options contract.

  • Expiration date: Options contracts have a predetermined expiration date, after which the contract becomes void. The holder must exercise the option before or on the expiration date if they want to take advantage of its rights.

  • Premium: The premium is the price that the option buyer pays to the option seller for the rights conveyed by the contract. It represents the cost of acquiring the option and is determined by factors such as the current price of the underlying asset, the strike price, time remaining until expiration, and market volatility.

  • Rights and obligations: The holder of an options contract has the right to exercise the option, but they are not obligated to do so. On the other hand, the seller (writer) of the options contract has the obligation to fulfill the terms of the contract if the holder chooses to exercise the option.

  • Potential outcomes: The outcome of an options contract depends on whether it is in-the-money, at-the-money, or out-of-the-money.
    In-the-money (ITM): A call option is in-the-money if the current price of the underlying asset is higher than the strike price. A put option is in-the-money if the current price of the underlying asset is lower than the strike price. In-the-money options have intrinsic value.
    At-the-money (ATM): An option is at-the-money when the current price of the underlying asset is equal to the strike price.
    Out-of-the-money (OTM): A call option is out-of-the-money if the current price of the underlying asset is lower than the strike price. A put option is out-of-the-money if the current price of the underlying asset is higher than the strike price. Out-of-the-money options have no intrinsic value.


Options contracts are widely used in financial markets for various purposes, including speculation, hedging, and risk management. They provide flexibility and strategic opportunities for investors and traders to capitalize on price movements and market expectations without directly owning the underlying asset.

The Basics of Options Trades

To gain a better understanding of options trading and how to calculate potential profits, it's important to familiarize yourself with three key terms: strike price, option price, and stock price.
Stock price: The stock price refers to the current market value of the underlying stock at the time of purchasing the option.
Strike price: The strike price is the predetermined price at which the underlying asset can be bought or sold upon exercising the option contract. For call options, traders typically choose a strike price that is above the current stock price. Conversely, for put options, the strike price is usually set below the current stock price.
Option price: The option price, also known as the option premium, represents the cost per share that an option holder pays. It is influenced by various factors, including the current stock price, time to expiration, implied volatility, and market demand.
Each options contract generally represents 100 shares. For example, let's assume you purchase one contract with an option price of $3, resulting in a total investment (or risk) of $300. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the relationship between the strike price and the stock price to assess potential profitability.
These concepts apply to both call options and put options:
Call options: Call options grant the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy a specific number of shares at the strike price. Let's say you buy a call option with a strike price of $50. Traders typically purchase call options when they anticipate the underlying stock's price to rise. The objective is to profit from the option when it expires 'in the money', meaning the stock price exceeds the strike price.
Put options: Put options provide the holder the right (but not the obligation) to sell a specific number of shares at the strike price. Suppose you purchase a put option with a strike price of $60. Traders usually buy put options when they expect the underlying stock's price to decline. The goal is to profit from the option when it expires 'in the money', with the stock price below the strike price.
By understanding these fundamental aspects, you will gain a solid foundation for navigating options trades and assessing potential profits.

Call Options Profit Formula:

To calculate the potential profit from a call option, you can use the following formula:

Profit = (Stock Price at Expiration - Strike Price) - Option Premium

The profit formula for call options takes into account three key components: the stock price at expiration, the strike price, and the option premium. By subtracting the option premium from the difference between the stock price at expiration and the strike price, you can calculate the potential profit from a call option.

Example:
Let's consider a hypothetical scenario:
  • Stock price at expiration: $60
  • Strike price: $50
  • Option premium: $3

Using the call options profit formula: Profit = (Stock Price at Expiration - Strike Price) - Option Premium
Profit = ($60 - $50) - $3 Profit = $10 - $3 Profit = $7
In this example, the call option has generated a profit of $7. This means that if the option holder bought the call option and exercised it at the expiration date, they would make a profit of $7 per share.
It's important to note that the profit calculation does not consider transaction costs or fees associated with trading options. Additionally, the example assumes that the option holder exercises the option and sells the stock immediately at the stock price at expiration. Actual profits may vary based on market conditions, timing, and individual trading strategies.
The call options profit formula provides a basic framework for understanding the potential profitability of call options and can help traders and investors assess the risk-reward profile of their options trades.

Put Options Profit Formula:

To calculate the potential profit from a put option, you can use the following formula:

Profit = (Strike Price - Stock Price at Expiration) - Option Premium

The profit formula for put options takes into account three key components: the strike price, the stock price at expiration, and the option premium. By subtracting the option premium from the difference between the strike price and the stock price at expiration, you can calculate the potential profit from a put option.

Example:
Let's consider a hypothetical scenario:
  • Stock price at expiration: $40
  • Strike price: $50
  • Option premium: $2.50

Using the put options profit formula: Profit = (Strike Price - Stock Price at Expiration) - Option Premium
Profit = ($50 - $40) - $2.50 Profit = $10 - $2.50 Profit = $7.50
In this example, the put option has generated a profit of $7.50. This means that if the option holder bought the put option and exercised it at the expiration date, they would make a profit of $7.50 per share.
It's important to note that the profit calculation does not consider transaction costs or fees associated with trading options. Additionally, the example assumes that the option holder exercises the option and sells the stock immediately at the stock price at expiration. Actual profits may vary based on market conditions, timing, and individual trading strategies.
The put options profit formula provides a basic framework for understanding the potential profitability of put options and can help traders and investors assess the risk-reward profile of their options trades.

FAQ

What is "moneyness"?
"Moneyness" describes the relationship between the current price of the underlying asset and the strike price of an option. It categorizes options into three types: in-the-money, at-the-money, and out-of-the-money.
    What does "in-the-money" mean?
    "In-the-money" refers to the status of an option where exercising it would result in a profit. For call options, it means the underlying asset price is higher than the strike price. For put options, it means the underlying asset price is lower than the strike price.
      How is "at-the-money" defined?
      "At-the-money" refers to a situation where the current price of the underlying asset is equal to the strike price of the option. In this case, the option has no intrinsic value.
        What does "out-of-the-money" mean?
        "Out-of-the-money" describes an option that would result in a loss if exercised immediately. For call options, the underlying asset price is lower than the strike price. For put options, the underlying asset price is higher than the strike price.
          How does "time value" affect options?
          "Time value" is the portion of an option's premium that is not accounted for by its intrinsic value. It reflects the potential for the option to gain intrinsic value as time passes. As expiration approaches, time value diminishes, impacting the overall value of the option.
            What is "implied volatility"?
            "Implied volatility" is a measure of the market's expectation of future price fluctuations of the underlying asset. It affects the premium of an option, with higher implied volatility generally leading to higher option premiums.
              What is "expiration date"?
              The "expiration date" is the predetermined date on which an option contract ceases to be valid. After this date, the option can no longer be exercised, and any remaining time value diminishes to zero.
                What is an "option premium"?
                An "option premium" is the price paid to acquire an option contract. It consists of intrinsic value (if any) and time value. The premium is determined by various factors, including the current price of the underlying asset, time to expiration, implied volatility, and market demand.
                  What does "assignment" mean?
                  "Assignment" refers to the process of fulfilling the obligations of an options contract. For the option writer (seller), it means being obligated to sell or buy the underlying asset if the option holder exercises their rights.
                    What is "option expiration"?
                    "Option expiration" is the specific date and time at which an option contract expires. After expiration, the option can no longer be traded or exercised.
                      What is "option exercise"?
                      "Option exercise" refers to the act of using the rights conferred by an option contract. For call options, it involves buying the underlying asset at the strike price. For put options, it involves selling the underlying asset at the strike price.