Advanced Options Pricing Guide

Understanding Options Positions, Value, and Risk

Comprehensive Options Guide

Learn about different options positions, their pricing components, and risk management strategies.

Basic Option Positions

Long Call

  • • Pay premium upfront
  • • Unlimited potential gain
  • • Loss limited to premium
  • • Best for bullish outlook

Long Put

  • • Pay premium upfront
  • • Gain limited to strike - premium
  • • Loss limited to premium
  • • Best for bearish outlook

Short Call

  • • Receive premium upfront
  • • Gain limited to premium
  • • Unlimited potential loss
  • • Requires margin/stock ownership

Short Put

  • • Receive premium upfront
  • • Gain limited to premium
  • • Loss limited to strike - premium
  • • Requires margin

Price Influencing Factors

Time Decay (Theta)

  • • Accelerates near expiration
  • • Benefits option sellers
  • • Hurts option buyers

Volatility (Vega)

  • • Higher volatility = higher premiums
  • • Affects all strikes
  • • More impact on ATM options

Price Movement (Delta)

  • • Calls: positive delta
  • • Puts: negative delta
  • • ATM options ≈ 0.50 delta

Interactive Options Calculator

$5.00
Intrinsic Value
$2.04
Time Value
$7.50
Total Premium
30%

Time Value Decay

Risk Management

Position Sizing

  • • Risk 1-5% max per trade
  • • Account for maximum loss
  • • Consider total exposure

Time Horizon

  • • Short-term: < 30 days
  • • Medium-term: 30-90 days
  • • Long-term: > 90 days

Quick Reference

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring volatility levels
  • Oversized positions
  • Poor risk management

Key Terms

  • Premium = Intrinsic + Time Value
  • Theta: Time Decay
  • Vega: Volatility Sensitivity
  • Delta: Price Sensitivity