Option Chains

Option chains allow you to see all of the Calls and/or Puts for a security at a specified expiration. Calls and Puts are separated by the expiration and the strike price, and key price and trade information per contract is identified in the chain.

Adjusted Option contracts are identified by a “*” next to the symbol. Once selected the deliverables of the contract will be identified above the option chain.

Find Option Chains in the Quotes & Research tab.

Option Chains consist of all options available for an underlying stock.

Enter the underlying stock symbol in the Symbol field. NOTE: When entering an option symbol, follow the format: XYZ MM/DD/YYYY 00.00 C where XYZ is the underlying symbol (root symbol), followed by the expiration date, strike price and C or P for Call or Put.
Click Get chain.
The chain data will display. Check the Calls and/or Puts boxes to display one or both of them. Check Stack to display option chains vertically instead of horizontally. When stacked, calls will display above puts.
Click on a row to view action items for that contract, such as placing a trade or viewing a chart. You can get details on the individual contract by clicking Option Details under More... or from the right-click menu.

Stock and/or option symbols and price and volume data shown here are for illustrative purposes only. Charles Schwab & Co., its parent or affiliates, and/or its employees and/or directors may have positions in securities referenced herein, and may, as principal or agent, buy from or sell to clients.

Static vs. Streaming Data View

You may choose to view option chains in Static or Streaming mode. In Static mode, you will need to click Refresh Data to see any market changes to quotes. In Streaming mode, quote changes automatically display as they occur in the marketplace.

Historical Option Price Charts

Historical option price charts provide a quick way to understand the historical price performance of an individual option contract. These charts can be launched from the Chart link below any option symbol displayed in the Option Chains, Watch List, Order Status, Positions, or Options (Basic) trading page.

Each chart displays the option price (depicted as a bold line) along with the underlying price (depicted as a histogram) for the time period selected. The charts are available in a 1 week, 1 month, 3 month and 9 month time frame.

In addition to the chart, the daily closing values for the option (based on the closing midpoint of the bid/ask) and underlying security are displayed in a table to the right of the chart. These features will allow you to compare the price performance of the option vs. the underlying, while recognizing the impact of time decay.

Options carry a high level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Certain requirements must be met to trade options through Schwab. Multiple leg options strategies will involve multiple commissions. Please read the options disclosure document titled "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options." Member SIPC