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In This Article

  1. What is a Strike Price?
  2. How is Strike Price Calculated?
  3. 3 Types of Strike Prices 
  4. Strike Price Example 
  5. The Bottom Line: Strike Price 

Succeeding in options investing comes down to making the right moves at the right time — and that includes choosing the right strike price.

Whether you are a beginner investor looking to understand the definition or an experienced investor looking to brush up on the topic, let’s take a deeper dive into the strike price. 

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What is a Strike Price?

A strike price, also known as the exercise price, is a fixed price indicated in a derivative contract at which financial products can be bought or sold. 

Remember that derivatives are financial products whose value is based, or “derived” on the underlying asset like a stock, bonds, etc., traded on the market.

A strike price is only executable before the contract's expiration date. 

Next, we’ll look at how a strike price differs for call and put options

Strike Price For Call Options 

The call option is the purchase-end of the strike price. 

If you buy a call option, you have the prerogative of buying the underlying product, asset/security in the future at the stipulated price. 

Strike Price For Put Options

In the case of put options, the put option buyer has the prerogative of selling the underlying asset/commodity in the future before the expiration date at the strike price. 

How is Strike Price Calculated?

Set by the options exchanges, the value of a strike price depends on the current market price of the underlying asset/security alongside trading volume and market volatility. 

3 Types of Strike Prices 

There are three types of strike prices:

  • In-the-money
  • At-the-money
  • Out-of-the-money

We’ll look at each one next. 

In-the-Money (ITM) Strike Prices

In the Money strike prices have intrinsic value, at which an option holder can buy the asset/security below the market price. 

These prices are favorable to the market price of the underlying asset. 

At-the-Money (ATM) Strike Prices 

At the Money strike prices are identical, or almost identical, to the underlying asset's market price. 

These kinds of strike price options have no intrinsic value, but develop time value. 

Out-of-the-Money Strike Prices 

Out of the money strike prices have only extrinsic value. 

  • for the call option, the strike price is higher than the market value of the underlying asset; 
  • for the put option, the strike price is lower than the market value of the underlying asset 

Strike Price Example 

Let’s take a look at an example of strike price. 

Let's assume there are two option contracts for a company — one has a strike price on a call option, and the other is a put option. 

Hypothetically, the contract also gives the option holder the right to buy or sell 100 shares of the company before the contract's expiration date. 

The investor gets to exercise this right if the option is In-the-Money or At-the-money. 

Assuming that the strike price is $54 and the market price is $50, the option cost is $1. 

100 shares x $1 = $100. 

Next, determine the break-even price: $54 - $1 = $53

Given that the current price is lower than the break-even price, the put option is In-the-Money. 

The profit per share is $54 - $50 = $4. 

Gross profit $4 x 100 shares = $400

As an investor, if you plan to purchase a call, the market price has to be greater than the Strike Price. 

The Bottom Line: Strike Price 

Choosing the right strike price options depends on:

  • your forecast of the underlying asset's market price 
  • its dynamics between the time of purchase and the expiration date

Putting this knowledge of a strike price into action can help ensure that your next investment is your most profitable one yet.