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ITM, ATM, and OTM options describe an option’s position relative to the market price, helping traders understand value, risk, and potential outcomes in options trading. The article explains their meaning for call and put options, key differences in intrinsic value, risk, and premiums, and how they influence trading decisions. It also highlights their role in reading option chains and choosing suitable strategies.
In options trading, the terms in-the-money (ITM), at-the-money (ATM), and out-of-the-money (OTM) refer to an option's worth as compared to the market price. The term describes a trader's perception of whether an option has value, doesn't have value, or possibly has value.
Understanding ITM, ATM and OTM options for both call and put options is important to a trader because it provides insight into potential risk in an options trade. It also provides insights into the volatility of pricing from one moment to the next, and allows the trader to make educated decisions about entering or exiting a trade.
Learning these three classifications of options traded in the options market makes it easier for new investors to read and understand the options chain. Knowledge of the meaning of these terms enables traders to make better decisions in the options market.
ATM, ITM, and OTM are terms used in options trading to show how an option’s strike price compares with the current market price. These terms help traders understand option value, risk, and possible outcomes before trading.
Knowing real-life scenarios can help you identify ATM, ITM, and OTM options more confidently while looking at an option chain. The examples below use hypothetical stock prices to show you how these options behave under different price situations. You can use this logic with any asset or index to determine their current moneyness and understand where your strike price stands.
If the NIFTY index is trading at ₹24,900 and you hold a NIFTY call or put with a strike price of ₹24,900, that option is ATM. You can see that it is neither profitable nor loss-making if exercised immediately. ATM options are often used by traders expecting quick movements.
If a stock trades at ₹1,050 and you have a call option with a ₹1,000 strike price, it is ITM. If the same stock has a put with a ₹1,100 strike, that too is ITM. You can exercise them profitably. These options cost more but already offer intrinsic value.
Suppose a stock trades at ₹680. A ₹720 call or a ₹640 put is OTM. These strike prices are far from the current value, meaning there is no intrinsic value yet. You may buy them expecting a large move, but they can also expire worthless if price action is limited.
Difference Between ITM, ATM, and OTM Options
ITM, ATM, and OTM options are key terms in options trading that show how an option’s strike price compares to the current market price, helping traders understand value, risk, and potential outcomes.
Feature | ITM Options | ATM Options | OTM Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strike price vs market price | Favourable to holder | Equal or very close | Unfavourable to holder |
| Intrinsic value | Present | Usually zero | Zero |
| Risk level | Lower | Moderate | Higher |
| Premium cost | Higher | Medium | Lower |
| Profit probability | Higher | Balanced | Lower |
The table below shows how option premiums usually differ based on whether an option is ITM, ATM, or OTM. Premium levels change based on intrinsic value, time value, and market conditions.
Option Type | Premium Level | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ITM Options | High | Includes intrinsic value plus time value |
| ATM Options | Medium | Mostly time value, sensitive to price movement |
| OTM Options | Low | No intrinsic value, only time value |
These differences help traders choose options based on cost, risk, and strategy.
In The Money (ITM)
In the case of a call option, if the spot price of the underlying stock is higher than the strike price, then such call options are called ‘in the money’ call options. For put options to be ‘in the money’, the spot price should be lower than the strike price.
Continuing the previous example, since the current market price (₹220) is higher and the strike price of the call option you bought (₹200), it is classified as ‘in the money’.
Out of The Money (OTM)
For a call option to be ‘out of the money’, the spot price should be lower than the strike price. Inversely, in the case of the put option, the spot price must be higher than the strike price to classify as ‘out of the money’.
Let’s assume that instead of buying a ₹200 call option, you buy a ₹250 call option from ABC Limited. Now, if the stock’s current market price is still at ₹220, your call option is ‘out of the money’ since the spot price is lower than the strike price.
At The Money (ATM)
When the spot and strike price are equivalent, such options, whether call or put, are termed ‘at the money’. There are only two options, one call option and one put option, classified as ‘at the money’.
For example, if the spot price of ABC Limited stock is ₹200, then your ₹200 call option is ‘at the money’. Instead, even if you were holding a ₹200 put option, it would also be ‘in the money’.
Let’s assume that the current market price (spot price) of ABC Limited is ₹200.
ABC Limited | ||
Call Option | Strike Price | Put Option |
ITM | 170 | OTM |
ITM | 180 | OTM |
ITM | 190 | OTM |
ATM | 200 | ATM |
OTM | 210 | ITM |
OTM | 220 | ITM |
OTM | 230 | ITM |
In the above table, all the call options with lower strike prices compared to the spot are ITM, and put options with lower strike prices compared to the spot are OTM. Inversely, call options with higher strike prices compared to the spot are OTM and put options with higher strike prices compared to the spot are ITM. Since the spot is ₹200, the call and put options with ₹200 strike price are ATM options.
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This content is for educational purposes only. Securities quoted are exemplary and not recommendatory.
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