[--[65.84.65.76]--]

COALINDIA

Coal India Ltd
381.1 -3.35 (-0.87%)
L: 378.35 H: 384.2
Max Pain - COALINDIA
16 Dec 2025 03:17 PM IST
Live


Strike  309.75  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  121,928,490,000 Combined total value = 121,928,490,000

Strike  310  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  121,504,050,000 Combined total value = 121,504,050,000

Strike  312.5  has a total call value of 1,687,500  versus a total put value of  117,259,987,500 Combined total value = 117,261,675,000

Strike  314.75  has a total call value of 3,206,250  versus a total put value of  113,440,331,250 Combined total value = 113,443,537,500

Strike  315  has a total call value of 3,375,000  versus a total put value of  113,015,925,000 Combined total value = 113,019,300,000

Strike  317.5  has a total call value of 7,087,500  versus a total put value of  108,771,862,500 Combined total value = 108,778,950,000

Strike  319.75  has a total call value of 10,428,750  versus a total put value of  104,952,206,250 Combined total value = 104,962,635,000

Strike  320  has a total call value of 10,968,750  versus a total put value of  104,527,800,000 Combined total value = 104,538,768,750

Strike  322.5  has a total call value of 19,743,750  versus a total put value of  100,293,525,000 Combined total value = 100,313,268,750

Strike  324.75  has a total call value of 27,641,250  versus a total put value of  96,482,677,500 Combined total value = 96,510,318,750

Strike  325  has a total call value of 28,518,750  versus a total put value of  96,059,250,000 Combined total value = 96,087,768,750

Strike  327.5  has a total call value of 37,293,750  versus a total put value of  91,824,975,000 Combined total value = 91,862,268,750

Strike  329.75  has a total call value of 45,191,250  versus a total put value of  88,014,127,500 Combined total value = 88,059,318,750

Strike  330  has a total call value of 46,068,750  versus a total put value of  87,590,700,000 Combined total value = 87,636,768,750

Strike  332.5  has a total call value of 56,193,750  versus a total put value of  83,371,950,000 Combined total value = 83,428,143,750

Strike  334.75  has a total call value of 65,306,250  versus a total put value of  79,575,075,000 Combined total value = 79,640,381,250

Strike  335  has a total call value of 66,318,750  versus a total put value of  79,153,200,000 Combined total value = 79,219,518,750

Strike  337.5  has a total call value of 77,793,750  versus a total put value of  74,934,787,500 Combined total value = 75,012,581,250

Strike  339.75  has a total call value of 88,121,250  versus a total put value of  71,138,216,250 Combined total value = 71,226,337,500

Strike  340  has a total call value of 89,336,250  versus a total put value of  70,717,016,250 Combined total value = 70,806,352,500

Strike  342.25  has a total call value of 102,093,750  versus a total put value of  66,994,256,250 Combined total value = 67,096,350,000

Strike  342.5  has a total call value of 103,511,250  versus a total put value of  66,580,616,250 Combined total value = 66,684,127,500

Strike  344.75  has a total call value of 116,268,750  versus a total put value of  62,858,160,000 Combined total value = 62,974,428,750

Strike  345  has a total call value of 117,686,250  versus a total put value of  62,445,465,000 Combined total value = 62,563,151,250

Strike  347.25  has a total call value of 131,355,000  versus a total put value of  58,877,921,250 Combined total value = 59,009,276,250

Strike  347.5  has a total call value of 132,873,750  versus a total put value of  58,482,270,000 Combined total value = 58,615,143,750

Strike  349.75  has a total call value of 146,542,500  versus a total put value of  54,931,432,500 Combined total value = 55,077,975,000

Strike  350  has a total call value of 148,162,500  versus a total put value of  54,539,021,250 Combined total value = 54,687,183,750

Strike  352.25  has a total call value of 172,766,250  versus a total put value of  51,146,437,500 Combined total value = 51,319,203,750

Strike  352.5  has a total call value of 175,500,000  versus a total put value of  50,771,812,500 Combined total value = 50,947,312,500

Strike  354.75  has a total call value of 200,103,750  versus a total put value of  47,413,552,500 Combined total value = 47,613,656,250

Strike  355  has a total call value of 202,837,500  versus a total put value of  47,042,572,500 Combined total value = 47,245,410,000

Strike  357.25  has a total call value of 230,175,000  versus a total put value of  43,740,202,500 Combined total value = 43,970,377,500

Strike  357.5  has a total call value of 233,212,500  versus a total put value of  43,376,377,500 Combined total value = 43,609,590,000

Strike  359.75  has a total call value of 260,550,000  versus a total put value of  40,122,607,500 Combined total value = 40,383,157,500

Strike  360  has a total call value of 263,587,500  versus a total put value of  39,764,115,000 Combined total value = 40,027,702,500

Strike  362.25  has a total call value of 314,617,500  versus a total put value of  36,780,075,000 Combined total value = 37,094,692,500

Strike  362.5  has a total call value of 320,287,500  versus a total put value of  36,451,046,250 Combined total value = 36,771,333,750

Strike  364.75  has a total call value of 371,317,500  versus a total put value of  33,511,961,250 Combined total value = 33,883,278,750

Strike  365  has a total call value of 376,987,500  versus a total put value of  33,190,931,250 Combined total value = 33,567,918,750

Strike  367.25  has a total call value of 431,662,500  versus a total put value of  30,384,585,000 Combined total value = 30,816,247,500

Strike  367.5  has a total call value of 437,737,500  versus a total put value of  30,077,021,250 Combined total value = 30,514,758,750

Strike  369.75  has a total call value of 494,842,500  versus a total put value of  27,362,711,250 Combined total value = 27,857,553,750

Strike  370  has a total call value of 501,930,000  versus a total put value of  27,067,635,000 Combined total value = 27,569,565,000

Strike  372.25  has a total call value of 673,245,000  versus a total put value of  24,678,641,250 Combined total value = 25,351,886,250

Strike  372.5  has a total call value of 694,946,250  versus a total put value of  24,419,340,000 Combined total value = 25,114,286,250

Strike  374.75  has a total call value of 936,427,500  versus a total put value of  22,162,477,500 Combined total value = 23,098,905,000

Strike  375  has a total call value of 968,625,000  versus a total put value of  21,922,110,000 Combined total value = 22,890,735,000

Strike  377.25  has a total call value of 1,466,471,250  versus a total put value of  20,087,460,000 Combined total value = 21,553,931,250

Strike  377.5  has a total call value of 1,523,711,250  versus a total put value of  19,888,537,500 Combined total value = 21,412,248,750

Strike  379.75  has a total call value of 2,093,546,250  versus a total put value of  18,169,008,750 Combined total value = 20,262,555,000

Strike  380  has a total call value of 2,165,298,750  versus a total put value of  17,985,071,250 Combined total value = 20,150,370,000

Strike  382.25  has a total call value of 3,282,491,250  versus a total put value of  16,627,005,000 Combined total value = 19,909,496,250

Strike  382.5  has a total call value of 3,414,588,750  versus a total put value of  16,480,698,750 Combined total value = 19,895,287,500

Strike  384.75  has a total call value of 4,675,151,250  versus a total put value of  15,214,668,750 Combined total value = 19,889,820,000

Strike  385  has a total call value of 4,825,845,000  versus a total put value of  15,078,588,750 Combined total value = 19,904,433,750

Strike  387.25  has a total call value of 6,445,136,250  versus a total put value of  14,028,525,000 Combined total value = 20,473,661,250

Strike  387.5  has a total call value of 6,630,525,000  versus a total put value of  13,913,640,000 Combined total value = 20,544,165,000

Strike  389.75  has a total call value of 8,624,036,250  versus a total put value of  12,881,801,250 Combined total value = 21,505,837,500

Strike  390  has a total call value of 8,852,793,750  versus a total put value of  12,773,801,250 Combined total value = 21,626,595,000

Strike  392.25  has a total call value of 11,280,363,750  versus a total put value of  12,057,558,750 Combined total value = 23,337,922,500

Strike  392.5  has a total call value of 11,553,468,750  versus a total put value of  11,978,010,000 Combined total value = 23,531,478,750

Strike  394.75  has a total call value of 14,040,877,500  versus a total put value of  11,262,071,250 Combined total value = 25,302,948,750

Strike  395  has a total call value of 14,321,002,500  versus a total put value of  11,182,522,500 Combined total value = 25,503,525,000

Strike  397.25  has a total call value of 16,972,740,000  versus a total put value of  10,482,075,000 Combined total value = 27,454,815,000

Strike  397.5  has a total call value of 17,271,123,750  versus a total put value of  10,404,247,500 Combined total value = 27,675,371,250

Strike  399.75  has a total call value of 19,995,761,250  versus a total put value of  9,704,103,750 Combined total value = 29,699,865,000

Strike  400  has a total call value of 20,303,730,000  versus a total put value of  9,626,850,000 Combined total value = 29,930,580,000

Strike  402.25  has a total call value of 23,454,832,500  versus a total put value of  9,029,677,500 Combined total value = 32,484,510,000

Strike  402.5  has a total call value of 23,808,363,750  versus a total put value of  8,963,325,000 Combined total value = 32,771,688,750

Strike  404.75  has a total call value of 27,024,165,000  versus a total put value of  8,366,152,500 Combined total value = 35,390,317,500

Strike  405  has a total call value of 27,382,387,500  versus a total put value of  8,300,812,500 Combined total value = 35,683,200,000

Strike  407.25  has a total call value of 30,658,635,000  versus a total put value of  7,721,257,500 Combined total value = 38,379,892,500

Strike  407.5  has a total call value of 31,024,383,750  versus a total put value of  7,656,896,250 Combined total value = 38,681,280,000

Strike  409.75  has a total call value of 34,331,917,500  versus a total put value of  7,077,645,000 Combined total value = 41,409,562,500

Strike  410  has a total call value of 34,711,571,250  versus a total put value of  7,013,452,500 Combined total value = 41,725,023,750

Strike  412.5  has a total call value of 38,816,921,250  versus a total put value of  6,417,090,000 Combined total value = 45,234,011,250

Strike  414.75  has a total call value of 42,516,292,500  versus a total put value of  5,880,667,500 Combined total value = 48,396,960,000

Strike  415  has a total call value of 42,929,865,000  versus a total put value of  5,821,065,000 Combined total value = 48,750,930,000

Strike  417.5  has a total call value of 47,073,352,500  versus a total put value of  5,227,740,000 Combined total value = 52,301,092,500

Strike  419.75  has a total call value of 50,809,477,500  versus a total put value of  4,694,051,250 Combined total value = 55,503,528,750

Strike  420  has a total call value of 51,225,986,250  versus a total put value of  4,634,921,250 Combined total value = 55,860,907,500

Strike  422.5  has a total call value of 55,439,673,750  versus a total put value of  4,059,483,750 Combined total value = 59,499,157,500

Strike  424.75  has a total call value of 59,231,992,500  versus a total put value of  3,541,590,000 Combined total value = 62,773,582,500

Strike  425  has a total call value of 59,654,002,500  versus a total put value of  3,484,046,250 Combined total value = 63,138,048,750

Strike  427.5  has a total call value of 63,885,240,000  versus a total put value of  2,909,621,250 Combined total value = 66,794,861,250

Strike  429.75  has a total call value of 67,693,353,750  versus a total put value of  2,392,638,750 Combined total value = 70,085,992,500

Strike  430  has a total call value of 68,118,671,250  versus a total put value of  2,338,031,250 Combined total value = 70,456,702,500

Strike  432.5  has a total call value of 72,383,321,250  versus a total put value of  1,797,693,750 Combined total value = 74,181,015,000

Strike  434.75  has a total call value of 76,221,506,250  versus a total put value of  1,311,390,000 Combined total value = 77,532,896,250

Strike  435  has a total call value of 76,648,140,000  versus a total put value of  1,257,356,250 Combined total value = 77,905,496,250

Strike  437.5  has a total call value of 80,919,202,500  versus a total put value of  717,018,750 Combined total value = 81,636,221,250

Strike  439.75  has a total call value of 84,763,158,750  versus a total put value of  230,715,000 Combined total value = 84,993,873,750

Strike  440  has a total call value of 85,195,800,000  versus a total put value of  186,300,000 Combined total value = 85,382,100,000

Strike  442.5  has a total call value of 89,548,200,000  versus a total put value of  139,725,000 Combined total value = 89,687,925,000

Strike  445  has a total call value of 93,900,600,000  versus a total put value of  93,150,000 Combined total value = 93,993,750,000

Strike  447.5  has a total call value of 98,277,300,000  versus a total put value of  46,575,000 Combined total value = 98,323,875,000

Strike  450  has a total call value of 102,654,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 102,654,000,000

Max-Pain Table for Stocks
  Note:- click on symbol to see more detailed view
Max Pain Table (Stocks)
Symbol Symbol Ltp Max Pain
360ONE 1134.1 1140
ABB 5246 5200
ABCAPITAL 348.25 350
ADANIENSOL 995.05 990
ADANIENT 2246.9 2300
ADANIGREEN 1029.7 1020
ADANIPORTS 1499.4 1500
ALKEM 5663 5700
AMBER 6785 6800
AMBUJACEM 548.7 555
ANGELONE 2534.4 2600
APLAPOLLO 1732.4 1740
APOLLOHOSP 7053 7200
ASHOKLEY 167.83 160
ASIANPAINT 2789.1 2800
ASTRAL 1462.6 1460
AUBANK 981 960
AUROPHARMA 1178.5 1200
AXISBANK 1218.5 1240
BAJAJ-AUTO 8997.5 9000
BAJAJFINSV 2034.1 2060
BAJFINANCE 998.3 1020
BANDHANBNK 149.37 150
BANKBARODA 283.05 290
BANKINDIA 139.67 143
BDL 1357 1400
BEL 387.75 400
BHARATFORG 1416.7 1400
BHARTIARTL 2101.8 2100
BHEL 279.6 280
BIOCON 385.3 390
BLUESTARCO 1815.8 1780
BOSCHLTD 36235 36500
BPCL 368.6 362.5
BRITANNIA 6069 6000
BSE 2614.6 2700
CAMS 754.8 780
CANBK 146.99 148
CDSL 1502.8 1560
CGPOWER 673.75 680
CHOLAFIN 1717.8 1700
CIPLA 1500 1520
COALINDIA 381.1 384.75
COFORGE 1866.4 1840
COLPAL 2161 2180
CONCOR 499 520
CROMPTON 252.75 265
CUMMINSIND 4494.3 4500
CYIENT 1150.3 1160
DABUR 497.05 505
DALBHARAT 2065.6 2040
DELHIVERY 402.3 410
DIVISLAB 6335.5 6400
DIXON 13630 13750
DLF 691.75 720
DMART 3862.5 3900
DRREDDY 1275.2 1270
EICHERMOT 7056 7100
ETERNAL 284.5 295
EXIDEIND 366.7 375
FEDERALBNK 262.45 260
FORTIS 875.2 890
GAIL 168.4 175
GLENMARK 1967.4 1940
GMRAIRPORT 103.65 102
GODREJCP 1182.1 1160
GODREJPROP 2023.6 2080
GRASIM 2799.1 2800
HAL 4263.1 4500
HAVELLS 1413.1 1440
HCLTECH 1652.1 1660
HDFCAMC 2582.7 2625
HDFCBANK 993.7 1000
HDFCLIFE 765 770
HEROMOTOCO 5945.5 6050
HFCL 65.47 68
HINDALCO 837.25 820
HINDPETRO 465.5 460
HINDUNILVR 2279.9 2300
HINDZINC 568.15 540
HUDCO 211.63 220
ICICIBANK 1363.9 1380
ICICIGI 1952.7 1980
ICICIPRULI 638.35 630
IDEA 11.26 11
IDFCFIRSTB 83.55 82
IEX 140.4 145
IIFL 568.15 560
INDHOTEL 725.8 740
INDIANB 773.5 820
INDIGO 4975 5000
INDUSINDBK 844.65 850
INDUSTOWER 408.05 410
INFY 1591.4 1600
INOXWIND 126.98 130
IOC 167.97 166
IRCTC 671.95 690
IREDA 133.9 140
IRFC 112.11 116
ITC 401.55 405
JINDALSTEL 1012.6 1030
JIOFIN 295.2 305
JSWENERGY 478.9 490
JSWSTEEL 1082.3 1130
JUBLFOOD 559.85 580
KALYANKJIL 479.7 480
KAYNES 4185 4400
KEI 4161.3 4100
KFINTECH 1036.6 1060
KOTAKBANK 2181.8 2160
KPITTECH 1177.6 1200
LAURUSLABS 1002.6 1000
LICHSGFIN 526.5 550
LICI 855.85 880
LODHA 1075 1120
LT 4064.2 4040
LTF 300.85 302.5
LTIM 6211 6150
LUPIN 2091.8 2080
M&M 3620.1 3650
MANAPPURAM 284.6 280
MANKIND 2104.5 2200
MARICO 739 740
MARUTI 16350 16200
MAXHEALTH 1071.2 1100
MAZDOCK 2412.4 2600
MCX 10175 10100
MFSL 1671 1700
MOTHERSON 119.66 116
MPHASIS 2859.4 2900
MUTHOOTFIN 3850.6 3750
NATIONALUM 277.55 270
NAUKRI 1348.1 1360
NBCC 111.73 113
NCC 157.95 167.5
NESTLEIND 1240.2 1240
NHPC 76.04 78
NMDC 77.19 77
NTPC 320.85 325
NUVAMA 7193 7200
NYKAA 247.6 255
OBEROIRLTY 1625.6 1660
OFSS 7835 8000
OIL 402.55 410
ONGC 232.15 240
PAGEIND 36365 37500
PATANJALI 537.4 545
PAYTM 1281.4 1300
PERSISTENT 6259.5 6200
PETRONET 264.45 277.5
PFC 337 355
PGEL 571.2 560
PHOENIXLTD 1782.7 1740
PIDILITIND 1471.2 1480
PIIND 3261.2 3350
PNB 116.94 120
PNBHOUSING 912.9 910
POLICYBZR 1820.8 1860
POLYCAB 7332.5 7300
POWERGRID 260.55 270
POWERINDIA 19320 19500
PPLPHARMA 168.61 180
PRESTIGE 1625.4 1660
RBLBANK 301.15 310
RECLTD 335.3 355
RELIANCE 1540.9 1540
RVNL 309.15 315
SAIL 129.86 133
SAMMAANCAP 146.71 155
SBICARD 848.05 870
SBILIFE 2035.1 2020
SBIN 960.65 965
SHREECEM 25990 26500
SHRIRAMFIN 847.35 850
SIEMENS 3160.2 3200
SOLARINDS 11935 12500
SONACOMS 485.3 500
SRF 3017.2 2950
SUNPHARMA 1781.2 1800
SUPREMEIND 3405.6 3400
SUZLON 52.7 54
SYNGENE 647.35 650
TATACONSUM 1169.4 1170
TATAELXSI 5003.5 5100
TATAMOTORS 0 320
TATAPOWER 380.1 390
TATASTEEL 169.73 170
TATATECH 651.3 680
TCS 3205 3200
TECHM 1580 1540
TIINDIA 2621.4 2700
TITAGARH 790.85 800
TITAN 3933 3860
TMPV 345.5 360
TORNTPHARM 3768.7 3800
TORNTPOWER 1284 1300
TRENT 4109.7 4200
TVSMOTOR 3621.1 3600
ULTRACEMCO 11523 11700
UNIONBANK 153.23 152.5
UNITDSPR 1452.4 1440
UNOMINDA 1259.3 1280
UPL 750.75 750
VBL 477.1 470
VEDL 571 540
VOLTAS 1391 1380
WIPRO 259.3 255
YESBANK 21.51 22
ZYDUSLIFE 914.8 930

Note:
Stock LTP > Max Pain Bearish Trend
Stock LTP < Max Pain Bullish Trend
Frequently Asked Questions

Max Pain, also known as the max pain price, is the strike price at which the maximum number of option contracts (both puts and calls) would expire worthless, causing the largest financial losses for option holders at expiration. This price point represents the level where option writers would experience the least payout obligation.

The max pain theory suggests that as expiration approaches, market makers and option writers may attempt to influence the stock price toward this level to minimize their payout obligations, making it a significant reference point for traders analyzing option expiration dynamics.

Max Pain is calculated by determining the total dollar value of in-the-money options at each strike price. Here's the step-by-step process:

  1. For each strike price: Calculate the difference between the current stock price and the strike price.
  2. Multiply by Open Interest: Multiply this difference by the open interest (number of contracts) at that strike for both call and put options.
  3. Sum the values: Add together the dollar value for put options and call options at each strike price.
  4. Repeat for all strikes: Perform this calculation for every available strike price in the option chain.
  5. Identify the maximum: The strike price with the highest combined dollar value is the Max Pain price.

This calculation helps identify the price level where option writers would face the maximum financial loss if the stock closes at that price on expiration day.

Traders can incorporate Max Pain analysis into their trading strategy in several ways:

  • Expiration Day Trading: As option expiration approaches, traders can use Max Pain as a potential support or resistance level, as market makers may attempt to push the price toward this level.
  • Option Selection: Understanding Max Pain helps traders choose strike prices that are less likely to be manipulated, potentially improving their option trade outcomes.
  • Risk Management: If a stock is trading far from Max Pain before expiration, traders can anticipate potential price movement toward this level and adjust their positions accordingly.
  • Market Sentiment Indicator: Comparing the current stock price to Max Pain can provide insights into market sentiment and potential price direction near expiration.
  • Hedging Strategy: Option writers can use Max Pain to identify strike prices where they might face the least payout risk, helping them structure more efficient hedging strategies.

Max Pain provides insights into potential stock price behavior, especially near option expiration:

  • Price Magnet Effect: If the stock price is significantly above or below Max Pain before expiration, there may be a tendency for the price to move toward Max Pain as expiration approaches, as option writers hedge their positions.
  • Support/Resistance Level: Max Pain can act as a psychological and technical support or resistance level, especially on expiration day, as it represents the price where maximum option value would be lost.
  • Volatility Indicator: A large gap between current price and Max Pain may indicate higher potential volatility or price movement as expiration nears.
  • Market Maker Activity: Significant open interest concentration around Max Pain suggests where market makers might have the most incentive to influence price movement through their hedging activities.

Note: Max Pain is a theoretical concept and should be used in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis tools, as it does not guarantee price movement.

Max Pain is a dynamic value that changes continuously based on several factors:

  • Open Interest Changes: As traders open and close option positions, the open interest at different strike prices changes, which directly affects the Max Pain calculation.
  • Stock Price Movement: As the underlying stock price moves, different strike prices become in-the-money or out-of-the-money, altering the dollar value calculations.
  • Time Decay: As expiration approaches, the time value of options decreases, but the intrinsic value calculations for Max Pain continue to evolve with price movements.
  • New Option Contracts: When new strike prices are added or when significant new positions are opened, Max Pain may shift to reflect the new distribution of open interest.

For accurate Max Pain analysis, traders should monitor it regularly, especially in the days leading up to expiration, as it can shift significantly as market conditions and option positions change.

Max Pain and Spot Price are two distinct concepts that serve different purposes in options trading:

  • Spot Price (Current Market Price): This is the current trading price of the underlying stock or index in the market. It represents the real-time value at which the asset can be bought or sold immediately.
  • Max Pain Price: This is a calculated theoretical price level based on option open interest data. It represents the strike price where option writers would face minimum payout obligations, not necessarily where the stock is currently trading.

The relationship between these two prices is crucial: when the spot price is far from Max Pain, traders may anticipate potential price movement toward Max Pain as expiration approaches. However, this is not guaranteed, and many other factors influence stock price movement.

No, Max Pain is not always accurate and should not be used as the sole indicator for predicting stock price movement. Here's why:

  • Market Forces: Strong fundamental news, earnings reports, or significant market events can override the Max Pain effect and drive prices in unexpected directions.
  • Institutional Activity: Large institutional trades, algorithmic trading, and other market participants may have different objectives than minimizing option payouts.
  • Limited Influence: While market makers may attempt to influence price toward Max Pain, their ability to do so is limited, especially in highly liquid stocks with strong directional momentum.
  • Multiple Expirations: Stocks often have options expiring on different dates (weekly, monthly), which means multiple Max Pain levels may exist simultaneously, reducing the predictive power of any single level.
  • Statistical Tool: Max Pain is best viewed as a statistical tool that provides context about option market dynamics rather than a guaranteed price target.

Traders should use Max Pain as one of many tools in their analysis, combining it with technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment indicators for more comprehensive decision-making.

Max Pain becomes increasingly relevant as option expiration approaches:

  • Last Trading Week: Max Pain analysis is most useful during the final week before expiration, when option writers are actively hedging and the "pinning effect" (price movement toward Max Pain) is most likely to occur.
  • Expiration Day: On the day of expiration, Max Pain can serve as a key reference level, as market makers may attempt to keep the stock price near this level to minimize their payout obligations.
  • High Open Interest: Max Pain is more reliable when there is significant open interest concentrated around specific strike prices, as this indicates where option writers have the most exposure.
  • Low Volatility Periods: During periods of low market volatility, Max Pain may have a stronger influence, as there are fewer competing forces driving price movement.
  • Monthly Expirations: Monthly option expirations (typically the third Friday) often show stronger Max Pain effects compared to weekly expirations, due to higher open interest and more significant market maker involvement.

While Max Pain can be calculated at any time, its predictive value and practical application increase significantly as expiration approaches, making it particularly useful for short-term trading strategies focused on expiration week dynamics.