Key Takeaways
- Call options profit when the stock price rises above strike + premium
- Put options profit when the stock price falls below strike - premium
- Each contract controls 100 shares of the underlying stock
- Maximum loss when buying options is limited to the premium paid
- ROI can exceed 100% due to leverage, but timing risk is high
How to Calculate Options Profit
Options trading allows you to control 100 shares of stock for a fraction of the price. Understanding your potential profit or loss before entering a trade is essential for risk management.
Call Profit = (Stock Price - Strike Price - Premium) x 100 x Contracts
Put Profit = (Strike Price - Stock Price - Premium) x 100 x Contracts
Understanding Call Options
A call option gives you the right (but not obligation) to buy 100 shares at the strike price. You profit when the stock price rises above your breakeven point (strike + premium).
Call Option Example
Profit = ($120 - $100 - $5) x 100 = $1,500 per contract (300% ROI)
Understanding Put Options
A put option gives you the right to sell 100 shares at the strike price. You profit when the stock price falls below your breakeven point (strike - premium).
Put Option Example
Profit = ($100 - $85 - $4) x 100 = $1,100 per contract (275% ROI)
Pro Tip: Time Decay (Theta)
Options lose value every day due to time decay. The closer to expiration, the faster the decay. This calculator shows profit at a specific price point - actual profits depend on when you exit the trade.
Breakeven Analysis
Understanding your breakeven point is crucial:
- Call Breakeven: Strike Price + Premium Paid
- Put Breakeven: Strike Price - Premium Paid
Risk Warning
Options can expire worthless, resulting in 100% loss of your premium. Most options (over 70%) expire out of the money. Never invest more than you can afford to lose, and consider using stop losses to manage risk.
When to Use This Calculator
- Evaluating potential trades before entering
- Comparing different strike prices and premiums
- Setting profit targets and stop losses
- Analyzing the risk/reward ratio of options strategies
- Planning exit points based on stock price targets