Strike Price

Investment Vehicles High Relevance

The predetermined price at which an option holder can buy (call) or sell (put) the underlying security if they exercise the option. Set when the contract is created and remains fixed throughout the option's life. The relationship between strike price and current market price determines intrinsic value and whether the option is in-the-money, at-the-money, or out-of-the-money.

Example

An investor buys a call option on XYZ stock with a $50 strike price when the stock is trading at $48. If XYZ rises to $60, the call is in-the-money and has $10 of intrinsic value ($60 market - $50 strike). The holder can exercise the right to buy shares at $50 regardless of the current $60 market price. Conversely, if an investor buys a put option with a $40 strike when the stock is at $45, and the stock falls to $35, the put is in-the-money with $5 intrinsic value ($40 strike - $35 market), allowing the holder to sell at $40.

Common Confusion

Students often confuse strike price with market price (strike is fixed, market price fluctuates), or with the option premium (the cost to buy the option). Another common error is not understanding how strike price determines intrinsic value: for calls, intrinsic value = market price - strike price (when positive); for puts, intrinsic value = strike price - market price (when positive). Many also forget that strike price remains constant while the underlying security's price changes, which is what creates profit opportunities.

How This Is Tested

  • Calculating intrinsic value of options using strike price versus current market price
  • Determining whether an option is in-the-money, at-the-money, or out-of-the-money based on strike price
  • Computing breakeven points for option positions using strike price and premium
  • Understanding how strike price selection affects option cost, risk, and probability of profit
  • Identifying which strike prices provide profit at expiration given a specific market price scenario

Regulatory Limits

Description Limit Notes
Strike price intervals for stocks $25-$200 $5 increments Standard exchange-listed options
Strike price intervals for stocks under $25 $2.50 increments Smaller increment for lower-priced stocks
Strike price intervals for stocks over $200 $10 increments Larger increment for higher-priced stocks

Example Exam Questions

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Select an answer to see the explanation.

Question 1

Maria owns a call option on ABC stock with a strike price of $75. ABC is currently trading at $82 per share. A put option on the same stock with a $70 strike price is also available. Which statement accurately describes the current status of these options?

Question 2

Which statement best describes the strike price of an option contract?

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Question 3

An investor holds a put option on DEF stock with a strike price of $90. DEF is currently trading at $78 per share. What is the intrinsic value of this put option?

Question 4

All of the following statements about strike price are accurate EXCEPT

Question 5

A call option on GHI stock has a strike price of $60, and GHI is currently trading at $68. The option premium is $10. Which of the following statements are accurate?

1. This call option is in-the-money with $8 of intrinsic value
2. The breakeven price at expiration is $70 ($60 strike + $10 premium)
3. If GHI rises to $75, the option would have $15 of intrinsic value
4. The option has $2 of time value ($10 premium - $8 intrinsic value)

💡 Memory Aid

Think of strike price as the "price tag set when the contract is made." It never changes, like a coupon with a fixed discount. For calls: you profit when market STRIKES UP above the strike. For puts: you profit when market STRIKES DOWN below the strike. Intrinsic value = how far in-the-money (market vs. strike difference).

Related Concepts

This term is part of this cluster: