An option chain shows the available call and put strike prices for a specific underlying security and expiration month. In addition to the available options and their costs, the option chain will provide information to help trader determine the options value or changes in value with a corresponding change in the underlying security. This information is usually called the "Greeks" because each has been given a Greek letter descriptor. For example delta the Greek letter standing for change denotes the change in the option price for a corresponding change in the stock price. In the Real Time Markets program, the option chain can be found through the main screen under each security, or within the trading platform.

The following are the main components of any options chain:

Calls and Puts: Options are either Calls or Puts. The option chain denotes the option as being either a Call or Put option. In chains that provide information on both types of option the Calls will normally be on the right side of the screen and the Puts on the left for each corresponding strike price.

The Strike Price: The strike price is the price at which the option will be exercised. Options can be in-the-money, out-of-the-money, or at-the-money denoting where the strike price in relation to the price of the underlying. At-the-money options are options whose strike price equals the underlying security price. Out-of-the-money options are options that would not be exercised at expiration assuming the current security price. In-the-money options are options that would be exercised at expiration assuming the current price of the underlying. Most options chains will allow users to search for these specific types of options or see all options for a given security.

Option Symbol: Each option is given an option symbol that denotes the type of option, the underlying asset, and the expiration month. Due to the number of options available in the market is difficult to remember each option symbol. Option chains provide these symbols for each stock available to trade. Bid-Ask Spread: The bid-ask spread provides the option price depending on if one is selling or buying the option. Seller of options will receive the bid as a premium for selling the option. Buyers must buy at the ask price to purchase an option. Depending on the amount of the spread and the option?s market maker, traders may be able to buy or sell within the bid-ask spread.