[--[65.84.65.76]--]

FINNIFTY

Nifty Financial Services
27610.5 -62.10 (-0.22%)
L: 27499.15 H: 27648.05
Max Pain - FINNIFTY
15 Dec 2025 02:01 PM IST
Live


Strike  23000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  206,401,975,000 Combined total value = 206,401,975,000

Strike  23100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  201,679,075,000 Combined total value = 201,679,075,000

Strike  23200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  196,956,175,000 Combined total value = 196,956,175,000

Strike  23300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  192,233,275,000 Combined total value = 192,233,275,000

Strike  23400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  187,510,375,000 Combined total value = 187,510,375,000

Strike  23500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  182,787,475,000 Combined total value = 182,787,475,000

Strike  23600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  178,064,575,000 Combined total value = 178,064,575,000

Strike  23650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  175,703,125,000 Combined total value = 175,703,125,000

Strike  23700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  173,341,675,000 Combined total value = 173,341,675,000

Strike  23750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  170,980,225,000 Combined total value = 170,980,225,000

Strike  23800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  168,618,775,000 Combined total value = 168,618,775,000

Strike  23850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  166,257,325,000 Combined total value = 166,257,325,000

Strike  23900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  163,895,875,000 Combined total value = 163,895,875,000

Strike  23950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  161,534,425,000 Combined total value = 161,534,425,000

Strike  24000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  159,172,975,000 Combined total value = 159,172,975,000

Strike  24050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  156,811,525,000 Combined total value = 156,811,525,000

Strike  24100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  154,450,075,000 Combined total value = 154,450,075,000

Strike  24150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  152,088,625,000 Combined total value = 152,088,625,000

Strike  24200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  149,727,175,000 Combined total value = 149,727,175,000

Strike  24250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  147,365,725,000 Combined total value = 147,365,725,000

Strike  24300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  145,004,275,000 Combined total value = 145,004,275,000

Strike  24350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  142,642,825,000 Combined total value = 142,642,825,000

Strike  24400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  140,281,375,000 Combined total value = 140,281,375,000

Strike  24450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  137,919,925,000 Combined total value = 137,919,925,000

Strike  24500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  135,558,475,000 Combined total value = 135,558,475,000

Strike  24550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  133,197,025,000 Combined total value = 133,197,025,000

Strike  24600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  130,835,575,000 Combined total value = 130,835,575,000

Strike  24650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  128,474,125,000 Combined total value = 128,474,125,000

Strike  24700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  126,112,675,000 Combined total value = 126,112,675,000

Strike  24750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  123,751,225,000 Combined total value = 123,751,225,000

Strike  24800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  121,389,775,000 Combined total value = 121,389,775,000

Strike  24850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  119,028,325,000 Combined total value = 119,028,325,000

Strike  24900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  116,666,875,000 Combined total value = 116,666,875,000

Strike  24950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  114,305,425,000 Combined total value = 114,305,425,000

Strike  25000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  111,943,975,000 Combined total value = 111,943,975,000

Strike  25050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  109,602,025,000 Combined total value = 109,602,025,000

Strike  25100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  107,260,075,000 Combined total value = 107,260,075,000

Strike  25150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  104,918,125,000 Combined total value = 104,918,125,000

Strike  25200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  102,576,175,000 Combined total value = 102,576,175,000

Strike  25250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  100,234,225,000 Combined total value = 100,234,225,000

Strike  25300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  97,892,275,000 Combined total value = 97,892,275,000

Strike  25350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  95,550,325,000 Combined total value = 95,550,325,000

Strike  25400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  93,208,375,000 Combined total value = 93,208,375,000

Strike  25450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  90,866,425,000 Combined total value = 90,866,425,000

Strike  25500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  88,524,475,000 Combined total value = 88,524,475,000

Strike  25550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  86,195,525,000 Combined total value = 86,195,525,000

Strike  25600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  83,866,575,000 Combined total value = 83,866,575,000

Strike  25650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  81,547,375,000 Combined total value = 81,547,375,000

Strike  25700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  79,228,175,000 Combined total value = 79,228,175,000

Strike  25750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  76,926,850,000 Combined total value = 76,926,850,000

Strike  25800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  74,625,525,000 Combined total value = 74,625,525,000

Strike  25850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  72,353,775,000 Combined total value = 72,353,775,000

Strike  25900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  70,082,025,000 Combined total value = 70,082,025,000

Strike  25950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  67,823,600,000 Combined total value = 67,823,600,000

Strike  26000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  65,565,175,000 Combined total value = 65,565,175,000

Strike  26050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  63,363,625,000 Combined total value = 63,363,625,000

Strike  26100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  61,162,075,000 Combined total value = 61,162,075,000

Strike  26150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  59,015,450,000 Combined total value = 59,015,450,000

Strike  26200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  56,868,825,000 Combined total value = 56,868,825,000

Strike  26250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  54,745,600,000 Combined total value = 54,745,600,000

Strike  26300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  52,622,375,000 Combined total value = 52,622,375,000

Strike  26350  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  50,499,150,000 Combined total value = 50,499,150,000

Strike  26400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  48,375,925,000 Combined total value = 48,375,925,000

Strike  26450  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  46,252,700,000 Combined total value = 46,252,700,000

Strike  26500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  44,129,475,000 Combined total value = 44,129,475,000

Strike  26550  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  42,082,950,000 Combined total value = 42,082,950,000

Strike  26600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  40,036,425,000 Combined total value = 40,036,425,000

Strike  26650  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  37,989,900,000 Combined total value = 37,989,900,000

Strike  26700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  35,943,375,000 Combined total value = 35,943,375,000

Strike  26750  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  33,948,850,000 Combined total value = 33,948,850,000

Strike  26800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  31,963,100,000 Combined total value = 31,963,100,000

Strike  26850  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  30,001,075,000 Combined total value = 30,001,075,000

Strike  26900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  28,039,050,000 Combined total value = 28,039,050,000

Strike  26950  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  26,096,200,000 Combined total value = 26,096,200,000

Strike  27000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  24,153,350,000 Combined total value = 24,153,350,000

Strike  27050  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  22,322,950,000 Combined total value = 22,322,950,000

Strike  27100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  20,492,550,000 Combined total value = 20,492,550,000

Strike  27150  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  18,752,825,000 Combined total value = 18,752,825,000

Strike  27200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  17,013,100,000 Combined total value = 17,013,100,000

Strike  27250  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  15,273,375,000 Combined total value = 15,273,375,000

Strike  27300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  13,551,850,000 Combined total value = 13,551,850,000

Strike  27350  has a total call value of 5,200,000  versus a total put value of  11,904,750,000 Combined total value = 11,909,950,000

Strike  27400  has a total call value of 10,400,000  versus a total put value of  10,274,550,000 Combined total value = 10,284,950,000

Strike  27450  has a total call value of 39,325,000  versus a total put value of  8,729,825,000 Combined total value = 8,769,150,000

Strike  27500  has a total call value of 78,325,000  versus a total put value of  7,198,425,000 Combined total value = 7,276,750,000

Strike  27550  has a total call value of 381,225,000  versus a total put value of  6,031,350,000 Combined total value = 6,412,575,000

Strike  27600  has a total call value of 718,250,000  versus a total put value of  4,908,150,000 Combined total value = 5,626,400,000

Strike  27650  has a total call value of 1,473,550,000  versus a total put value of  3,990,025,000 Combined total value = 5,463,575,000

Strike  27700  has a total call value of 2,262,000,000  versus a total put value of  3,122,600,000 Combined total value = 5,384,600,000

Strike  27750  has a total call value of 3,204,175,000  versus a total put value of  2,412,800,000 Combined total value = 5,616,975,000

Strike  27800  has a total call value of 4,173,975,000  versus a total put value of  1,735,175,000 Combined total value = 5,909,150,000

Strike  27850  has a total call value of 5,349,175,000  versus a total put value of  1,370,200,000 Combined total value = 6,719,375,000

Strike  27900  has a total call value of 6,616,350,000  versus a total put value of  1,005,225,000 Combined total value = 7,621,575,000

Strike  27950  has a total call value of 8,006,050,000  versus a total put value of  714,350,000 Combined total value = 8,720,400,000

Strike  28000  has a total call value of 9,431,825,000  versus a total put value of  423,475,000 Combined total value = 9,855,300,000

Strike  28050  has a total call value of 11,225,825,000  versus a total put value of  297,050,000 Combined total value = 11,522,875,000

Strike  28100  has a total call value of 13,069,550,000  versus a total put value of  170,625,000 Combined total value = 13,240,175,000

Strike  28150  has a total call value of 15,052,375,000  versus a total put value of  82,225,000 Combined total value = 15,134,600,000

Strike  28200  has a total call value of 17,066,725,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 17,066,725,000

Strike  28250  has a total call value of 19,651,775,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 19,651,775,000

Strike  28300  has a total call value of 22,295,650,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 22,295,650,000

Strike  28350  has a total call value of 25,050,675,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 25,050,675,000

Strike  28400  has a total call value of 27,805,700,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 27,805,700,000

Strike  28450  has a total call value of 30,617,275,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 30,617,275,000

Strike  28500  has a total call value of 33,454,525,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 33,454,525,000

Strike  28550  has a total call value of 36,452,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 36,452,000,000

Strike  28600  has a total call value of 39,449,475,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 39,449,475,000

Strike  28650  has a total call value of 42,573,375,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 42,573,375,000

Strike  28700  has a total call value of 45,726,525,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 45,726,525,000

Strike  28750  has a total call value of 48,879,675,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 48,879,675,000

Strike  28800  has a total call value of 52,048,750,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 52,048,750,000

Strike  28850  has a total call value of 55,272,425,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 55,272,425,000

Strike  28900  has a total call value of 58,499,350,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 58,499,350,000

Strike  28950  has a total call value of 61,761,375,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 61,761,375,000

Strike  29000  has a total call value of 65,023,400,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 65,023,400,000

Strike  29050  has a total call value of 68,419,325,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 68,419,325,000

Strike  29100  has a total call value of 71,846,125,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 71,846,125,000

Strike  29150  has a total call value of 75,272,925,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 75,272,925,000

Strike  29200  has a total call value of 78,699,725,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 78,699,725,000

Strike  29250  has a total call value of 82,159,025,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 82,159,025,000

Strike  29300  has a total call value of 85,618,325,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 85,618,325,000

Strike  29350  has a total call value of 89,077,625,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 89,077,625,000

Strike  29400  has a total call value of 92,536,925,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 92,536,925,000

Strike  29450  has a total call value of 95,996,225,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 95,996,225,000

Strike  29500  has a total call value of 99,455,525,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 99,455,525,000

Strike  29550  has a total call value of 102,999,975,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 102,999,975,000

Strike  29600  has a total call value of 106,544,425,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 106,544,425,000

Strike  29650  has a total call value of 110,174,675,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 110,174,675,000

Strike  29700  has a total call value of 113,804,925,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 113,804,925,000

Strike  29750  has a total call value of 117,435,175,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 117,435,175,000

Strike  29800  has a total call value of 121,065,425,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 121,065,425,000

Strike  29850  has a total call value of 124,699,250,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 124,699,250,000

Strike  29900  has a total call value of 128,333,075,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 128,333,075,000

Strike  29950  has a total call value of 131,970,150,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 131,970,150,000

Strike  30000  has a total call value of 135,607,225,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 135,607,225,000

Strike  30050  has a total call value of 139,259,575,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 139,259,575,000

Strike  30100  has a total call value of 142,911,925,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 142,911,925,000

Strike  30150  has a total call value of 146,564,275,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 146,564,275,000

Strike  30200  has a total call value of 150,216,625,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 150,216,625,000

Strike  30250  has a total call value of 153,868,975,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 153,868,975,000

Strike  30300  has a total call value of 157,521,325,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 157,521,325,000

Strike  30350  has a total call value of 161,173,675,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 161,173,675,000

Strike  30400  has a total call value of 164,826,025,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 164,826,025,000

Strike  30450  has a total call value of 168,478,375,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 168,478,375,000

Strike  30500  has a total call value of 172,130,725,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 172,130,725,000

Max-Pain Table for Stocks
  Note:- click on symbol to see more detailed view
Max Pain Table (Stocks)
Symbol Symbol Ltp Max Pain
360ONE 1136.9 1140
ABB 5284 5200
ABCAPITAL 353.45 350
ADANIENSOL 1015.3 990
ADANIENT 2283.4 2300
ADANIGREEN 1049.1 1040
ADANIPORTS 1514.9 1500
ALKEM 5616 5700
AMBER 6851 6800
AMBUJACEM 554.55 550
ANGELONE 2574 2600
APLAPOLLO 1735.1 1740
APOLLOHOSP 7088 7200
ASHOKLEY 166.92 160
ASIANPAINT 2784.4 2800
ASTRAL 1427.7 1440
AUBANK 981.25 960
AUROPHARMA 1188.6 1200
AXISBANK 1284.5 1280
BAJAJ-AUTO 8968.5 9000
BAJAJFINSV 2073 2060
BAJFINANCE 1011.1 1020
BANDHANBNK 150.26 150
BANKBARODA 285.55 290
BANKINDIA 141.93 142
BDL 1401.5 1440
BEL 390.2 400
BHARATFORG 1406.6 1400
BHARTIARTL 2078 2100
BHEL 282.9 282.5
BIOCON 385.85 390
BLUESTARCO 1809.5 1780
BOSCHLTD 36405 36500
BPCL 365.2 365
BRITANNIA 6050 5950
BSE 2660 2750
CAMS 756.6 770
CANBK 148.49 148
CDSL 1515.3 1560
CGPOWER 669.3 680
CHOLAFIN 1733.5 1700
CIPLA 1506.4 1520
COALINDIA 384.15 382.25
COFORGE 1860.7 1840
COLPAL 2165.4 2180
CONCOR 503.25 510
CROMPTON 253 265
CUMMINSIND 4547.1 4500
CYIENT 1154.5 1160
DABUR 497.05 500
DALBHARAT 2103.4 2040
DELHIVERY 408.45 415
DIVISLAB 6371.5 6400
DIXON 13748 13750
DLF 696.8 710
DMART 3823.7 3900
DRREDDY 1279.1 1270
EICHERMOT 7110 7150
ETERNAL 298.2 300
EXIDEIND 371 375
FEDERALBNK 265.55 260
FORTIS 867.7 880
GAIL 170.13 175
GLENMARK 1974.7 1940
GMRAIRPORT 104.91 102
GODREJCP 1161.5 1140
GODREJPROP 2074 2040
GRASIM 2827.9 2800
HAL 4331.5 4500
HAVELLS 1414.6 1420
HCLTECH 1684 1660
HDFCAMC 2612.8 2650
HDFCBANK 996.4 1000
HDFCLIFE 771.15 770
HEROMOTOCO 5958 6050
HFCL 66.45 68
HINDALCO 848 820
HINDPETRO 466.5 460
HINDUNILVR 2298.5 2300
HINDZINC 566.5 540
HUDCO 215.3 220
ICICIBANK 1367.3 1380
ICICIGI 1943.7 1960
ICICIPRULI 646 630
IDEA 11.44 11
IDFCFIRSTB 84.11 81
IEX 142.91 145
IIFL 578.4 560
INDHOTEL 733.8 730
INDIANB 784.95 800
INDIGO 4978.5 5000
INDUSINDBK 851.4 850
INDUSTOWER 409.5 410
INFY 1610 1600
INOXWIND 125.3 130
IOC 167.27 165
IRCTC 673.05 680
IREDA 135.46 140
IRFC 113.32 115
ITC 403.15 405
JINDALSTEL 1033.5 1020
JIOFIN 299.3 300
JSWENERGY 486 490
JSWSTEEL 1118 1140
JUBLFOOD 575.75 590
KALYANKJIL 480.25 480
KAYNES 4240 4400
KEI 4170 4100
KFINTECH 1048.7 1060
KOTAKBANK 2175.1 2160
KPITTECH 1213.7 1220
LAURUSLABS 1005.6 1000
LICHSGFIN 531 550
LICI 858.2 880
LODHA 1099.7 1100
LT 4080 4040
LTF 305.35 305
LTIM 6286 6200
LUPIN 2091.5 2080
M&M 3612.1 3650
MANAPPURAM 286.1 282.5
MANKIND 2150 2200
MARICO 737.5 730
MARUTI 16424 16300
MAXHEALTH 1080.5 1100
MAZDOCK 2450.1 2550
MCX 10191 10100
MFSL 1697 1700
MOTHERSON 120.38 116
MPHASIS 2890.9 2900
MUTHOOTFIN 3860.5 3800
NATIONALUM 279.15 270
NAUKRI 1360.2 1360
NBCC 115.82 114
NCC 161.66 167.5
NESTLEIND 1239.7 1240
NHPC 77.06 77
NMDC 77.94 77
NTPC 324.05 325
NUVAMA 7272.5 7200
NYKAA 250 255
OBEROIRLTY 1652 1640
OFSS 7949.5 8000
OIL 402.55 410
ONGC 233.92 240
PAGEIND 36725 37000
PATANJALI 532.4 540
PAYTM 1300.5 1300
PERSISTENT 6304 6300
PETRONET 268.5 275
PFC 339.75 360
PGEL 569.3 560
PHOENIXLTD 1786.5 1760
PIDILITIND 1480.6 1480
PIIND 3249.5 3350
PNB 118.53 120
PNBHOUSING 921.75 910
POLICYBZR 1912.7 1900
POLYCAB 7330 7300
POWERGRID 262.2 270
POWERINDIA 19445 19500
PPLPHARMA 171.8 177.5
PRESTIGE 1637.1 1660
RBLBANK 304.8 310
RECLTD 341.15 355
RELIANCE 1554.9 1540
RVNL 313.35 315
SAIL 131.98 132
SAMMAANCAP 148.87 155
SBICARD 870.5 880
SBILIFE 2030.2 2020
SBIN 967.2 965
SHREECEM 26410 26500
SHRIRAMFIN 864.2 850
SIEMENS 3150 3200
SOLARINDS 12196 12750
SONACOMS 488.6 490
SRF 2998.5 2950
SUNPHARMA 1795.9 1800
SUPREMEIND 3284.3 3400
SUZLON 53.18 54
SYNGENE 660 650
TATACONSUM 1161 1170
TATAELXSI 5051.5 5000
TATAMOTORS 0 320
TATAPOWER 380.85 390
TATASTEEL 172.79 170
TATATECH 657.15 670
TCS 3221.9 3200
TECHM 1575.8 1560
TIINDIA 2632.1 2700
TITAGARH 791.9 800
TITAN 3863.1 3840
TMPV 346.05 360
TORNTPHARM 3782.3 3750
TORNTPOWER 1287.9 1300
TRENT 4081.5 4200
TVSMOTOR 3638.5 3600
ULTRACEMCO 11713 11700
UNIONBANK 152.65 152.5
UNITDSPR 1444 1440
UNOMINDA 1236.6 1280
UPL 768 750
VBL 475 475
VEDL 549.25 530
VOLTAS 1385.9 1360
WIPRO 260.44 257.5
YESBANK 21.8 22
ZYDUSLIFE 922.15 930

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.