Option Moneyness

Brian Lee
Jul 26, 2025

In options trading, moneyness describes the relationship between the option’s strike price and the current price of the underlying stock.

In-the-money (ITM)
Describes an option with intrinsic value. A call option is ITM when its strike price is below the stock price. A put option is ITM when its strike price is above the stock price.
At-the-money (ATM)
Occurs when the stock price and strike price are approximately equal. The option has minimal or no intrinsic value but may retain time value.
Out-the-money (OTM)
Means the stock price is unfavorable relative to the strike price. A call option is OTM when its strike price is above the stock price. A put option is OTM when its strike price is below the stock price. Exercising the option would not yield a profit.