[--[65.84.65.76]--]

GOLD

Gold
138179 +294.00 (0.21%)
L: 137292 H: 138676
Max Pain - GOLD
25 Dec 2025 11:15 AM IST


Strike  120000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  648,200,000 Combined total value = 648,200,000

Strike  120100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  643,130,000 Combined total value = 643,130,000

Strike  120200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  638,060,000 Combined total value = 638,060,000

Strike  120300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  632,990,000 Combined total value = 632,990,000

Strike  120400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  627,920,000 Combined total value = 627,920,000

Strike  120500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  622,850,000 Combined total value = 622,850,000

Strike  120600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  617,780,000 Combined total value = 617,780,000

Strike  120700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  612,710,000 Combined total value = 612,710,000

Strike  120800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  607,640,000 Combined total value = 607,640,000

Strike  120900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  602,570,000 Combined total value = 602,570,000

Strike  121000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  597,500,000 Combined total value = 597,500,000

Strike  121100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  592,430,000 Combined total value = 592,430,000

Strike  121200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  587,360,000 Combined total value = 587,360,000

Strike  121300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  582,290,000 Combined total value = 582,290,000

Strike  121400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  577,220,000 Combined total value = 577,220,000

Strike  121500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  572,150,000 Combined total value = 572,150,000

Strike  121600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  567,080,000 Combined total value = 567,080,000

Strike  121700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  562,010,000 Combined total value = 562,010,000

Strike  121800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  556,940,000 Combined total value = 556,940,000

Strike  121900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  551,870,000 Combined total value = 551,870,000

Strike  122000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  546,800,000 Combined total value = 546,800,000

Strike  122100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  541,730,000 Combined total value = 541,730,000

Strike  122200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  536,660,000 Combined total value = 536,660,000

Strike  122300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  531,590,000 Combined total value = 531,590,000

Strike  122400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  526,520,000 Combined total value = 526,520,000

Strike  122500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  521,450,000 Combined total value = 521,450,000

Strike  122600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  516,380,000 Combined total value = 516,380,000

Strike  122700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  511,310,000 Combined total value = 511,310,000

Strike  122800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  506,240,000 Combined total value = 506,240,000

Strike  122900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  501,170,000 Combined total value = 501,170,000

Strike  123000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  496,100,000 Combined total value = 496,100,000

Strike  123100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  491,030,000 Combined total value = 491,030,000

Strike  123200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  485,960,000 Combined total value = 485,960,000

Strike  123300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  480,890,000 Combined total value = 480,890,000

Strike  123400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  475,820,000 Combined total value = 475,820,000

Strike  123500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  470,750,000 Combined total value = 470,750,000

Strike  123600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  465,680,000 Combined total value = 465,680,000

Strike  123700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  460,610,000 Combined total value = 460,610,000

Strike  123800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  455,540,000 Combined total value = 455,540,000

Strike  123900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  450,470,000 Combined total value = 450,470,000

Strike  124000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  445,400,000 Combined total value = 445,400,000

Strike  124100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  440,330,000 Combined total value = 440,330,000

Strike  124200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  435,260,000 Combined total value = 435,260,000

Strike  124300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  430,190,000 Combined total value = 430,190,000

Strike  124400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  425,120,000 Combined total value = 425,120,000

Strike  124500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  420,050,000 Combined total value = 420,050,000

Strike  124600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  414,980,000 Combined total value = 414,980,000

Strike  124700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  409,910,000 Combined total value = 409,910,000

Strike  124800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  404,840,000 Combined total value = 404,840,000

Strike  124900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  399,770,000 Combined total value = 399,770,000

Strike  125000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  394,700,000 Combined total value = 394,700,000

Strike  125100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  389,940,000 Combined total value = 389,940,000

Strike  125200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  385,180,000 Combined total value = 385,180,000

Strike  125300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  380,420,000 Combined total value = 380,420,000

Strike  125400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  375,660,000 Combined total value = 375,660,000

Strike  125500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  370,900,000 Combined total value = 370,900,000

Strike  125600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  366,140,000 Combined total value = 366,140,000

Strike  125700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  361,380,000 Combined total value = 361,380,000

Strike  125800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  356,620,000 Combined total value = 356,620,000

Strike  125900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  351,860,000 Combined total value = 351,860,000

Strike  126000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  347,100,000 Combined total value = 347,100,000

Strike  126100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  342,340,000 Combined total value = 342,340,000

Strike  126200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  337,580,000 Combined total value = 337,580,000

Strike  126300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  332,820,000 Combined total value = 332,820,000

Strike  126400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  328,060,000 Combined total value = 328,060,000

Strike  126500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  323,300,000 Combined total value = 323,300,000

Strike  126600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  318,540,000 Combined total value = 318,540,000

Strike  126700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  313,780,000 Combined total value = 313,780,000

Strike  126800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  309,020,000 Combined total value = 309,020,000

Strike  126900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  304,260,000 Combined total value = 304,260,000

Strike  127000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  299,500,000 Combined total value = 299,500,000

Strike  127100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  294,740,000 Combined total value = 294,740,000

Strike  127200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  289,980,000 Combined total value = 289,980,000

Strike  127300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  285,220,000 Combined total value = 285,220,000

Strike  127400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  280,460,000 Combined total value = 280,460,000

Strike  127500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  275,700,000 Combined total value = 275,700,000

Strike  127600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  270,940,000 Combined total value = 270,940,000

Strike  127700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  266,180,000 Combined total value = 266,180,000

Strike  127800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  261,420,000 Combined total value = 261,420,000

Strike  127900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  256,660,000 Combined total value = 256,660,000

Strike  128000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  251,900,000 Combined total value = 251,900,000

Strike  128100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  247,140,000 Combined total value = 247,140,000

Strike  128200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  242,380,000 Combined total value = 242,380,000

Strike  128300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  237,620,000 Combined total value = 237,620,000

Strike  128400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  232,860,000 Combined total value = 232,860,000

Strike  128500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  228,100,000 Combined total value = 228,100,000

Strike  128600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  223,340,000 Combined total value = 223,340,000

Strike  128700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  218,580,000 Combined total value = 218,580,000

Strike  128800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  213,820,000 Combined total value = 213,820,000

Strike  128900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  209,060,000 Combined total value = 209,060,000

Strike  129000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  204,300,000 Combined total value = 204,300,000

Strike  129100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  199,540,000 Combined total value = 199,540,000

Strike  129200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  194,780,000 Combined total value = 194,780,000

Strike  129300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  190,020,000 Combined total value = 190,020,000

Strike  129400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  185,260,000 Combined total value = 185,260,000

Strike  129500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  180,500,000 Combined total value = 180,500,000

Strike  129600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  175,740,000 Combined total value = 175,740,000

Strike  129700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  170,980,000 Combined total value = 170,980,000

Strike  129800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  166,220,000 Combined total value = 166,220,000

Strike  129900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  161,460,000 Combined total value = 161,460,000

Strike  130000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  156,700,000 Combined total value = 156,700,000

Strike  130100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  153,300,000 Combined total value = 153,300,000

Strike  130200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  149,900,000 Combined total value = 149,900,000

Strike  130300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  146,500,000 Combined total value = 146,500,000

Strike  130400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  143,100,000 Combined total value = 143,100,000

Strike  130500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  139,700,000 Combined total value = 139,700,000

Strike  130600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  136,300,000 Combined total value = 136,300,000

Strike  130700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  132,900,000 Combined total value = 132,900,000

Strike  130800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  129,500,000 Combined total value = 129,500,000

Strike  130900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  126,100,000 Combined total value = 126,100,000

Strike  131000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  122,700,000 Combined total value = 122,700,000

Strike  131100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  119,300,000 Combined total value = 119,300,000

Strike  131200  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  115,900,000 Combined total value = 115,900,000

Strike  131300  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  112,500,000 Combined total value = 112,500,000

Strike  131400  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  109,100,000 Combined total value = 109,100,000

Strike  131500  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  105,700,000 Combined total value = 105,700,000

Strike  131600  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  102,300,000 Combined total value = 102,300,000

Strike  131700  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  98,900,000 Combined total value = 98,900,000

Strike  131800  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  95,500,000 Combined total value = 95,500,000

Strike  131900  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  92,100,000 Combined total value = 92,100,000

Strike  132000  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  88,700,000 Combined total value = 88,700,000

Strike  132100  has a total call value of 80,000  versus a total put value of  85,960,000 Combined total value = 86,040,000

Strike  132200  has a total call value of 160,000  versus a total put value of  83,220,000 Combined total value = 83,380,000

Strike  132300  has a total call value of 240,000  versus a total put value of  80,480,000 Combined total value = 80,720,000

Strike  132400  has a total call value of 320,000  versus a total put value of  77,740,000 Combined total value = 78,060,000

Strike  132500  has a total call value of 400,000  versus a total put value of  75,000,000 Combined total value = 75,400,000

Strike  132600  has a total call value of 480,000  versus a total put value of  72,260,000 Combined total value = 72,740,000

Strike  132700  has a total call value of 560,000  versus a total put value of  69,520,000 Combined total value = 70,080,000

Strike  132800  has a total call value of 640,000  versus a total put value of  66,780,000 Combined total value = 67,420,000

Strike  132900  has a total call value of 720,000  versus a total put value of  64,040,000 Combined total value = 64,760,000

Strike  133000  has a total call value of 800,000  versus a total put value of  61,300,000 Combined total value = 62,100,000

Strike  133100  has a total call value of 1,010,000  versus a total put value of  58,770,000 Combined total value = 59,780,000

Strike  133200  has a total call value of 1,220,000  versus a total put value of  56,240,000 Combined total value = 57,460,000

Strike  133300  has a total call value of 1,430,000  versus a total put value of  53,710,000 Combined total value = 55,140,000

Strike  133400  has a total call value of 1,640,000  versus a total put value of  51,180,000 Combined total value = 52,820,000

Strike  133500  has a total call value of 1,850,000  versus a total put value of  48,650,000 Combined total value = 50,500,000

Strike  133600  has a total call value of 2,060,000  versus a total put value of  46,120,000 Combined total value = 48,180,000

Strike  133700  has a total call value of 2,270,000  versus a total put value of  43,590,000 Combined total value = 45,860,000

Strike  133800  has a total call value of 2,480,000  versus a total put value of  41,060,000 Combined total value = 43,540,000

Strike  133900  has a total call value of 2,690,000  versus a total put value of  38,530,000 Combined total value = 41,220,000

Strike  134000  has a total call value of 2,900,000  versus a total put value of  36,000,000 Combined total value = 38,900,000

Strike  134100  has a total call value of 3,110,000  versus a total put value of  33,690,000 Combined total value = 36,800,000

Strike  134200  has a total call value of 3,320,000  versus a total put value of  31,380,000 Combined total value = 34,700,000

Strike  134300  has a total call value of 3,530,000  versus a total put value of  29,070,000 Combined total value = 32,600,000

Strike  134400  has a total call value of 3,740,000  versus a total put value of  26,760,000 Combined total value = 30,500,000

Strike  134500  has a total call value of 3,950,000  versus a total put value of  24,450,000 Combined total value = 28,400,000

Strike  134600  has a total call value of 4,160,000  versus a total put value of  22,140,000 Combined total value = 26,300,000

Strike  134700  has a total call value of 4,370,000  versus a total put value of  19,830,000 Combined total value = 24,200,000

Strike  134800  has a total call value of 4,580,000  versus a total put value of  17,520,000 Combined total value = 22,100,000

Strike  134900  has a total call value of 4,790,000  versus a total put value of  15,210,000 Combined total value = 20,000,000

Strike  135000  has a total call value of 5,000,000  versus a total put value of  12,900,000 Combined total value = 17,900,000

Strike  135100  has a total call value of 6,740,000  versus a total put value of  12,500,000 Combined total value = 19,240,000

Strike  135200  has a total call value of 8,480,000  versus a total put value of  12,100,000 Combined total value = 20,580,000

Strike  135300  has a total call value of 10,220,000  versus a total put value of  11,700,000 Combined total value = 21,920,000

Strike  135400  has a total call value of 11,960,000  versus a total put value of  11,300,000 Combined total value = 23,260,000

Strike  135500  has a total call value of 13,700,000  versus a total put value of  10,900,000 Combined total value = 24,600,000

Strike  135600  has a total call value of 15,440,000  versus a total put value of  10,500,000 Combined total value = 25,940,000

Strike  135700  has a total call value of 17,180,000  versus a total put value of  10,100,000 Combined total value = 27,280,000

Strike  135800  has a total call value of 18,920,000  versus a total put value of  9,700,000 Combined total value = 28,620,000

Strike  135900  has a total call value of 20,660,000  versus a total put value of  9,300,000 Combined total value = 29,960,000

Strike  136000  has a total call value of 22,400,000  versus a total put value of  8,900,000 Combined total value = 31,300,000

Strike  136100  has a total call value of 24,190,000  versus a total put value of  8,570,000 Combined total value = 32,760,000

Strike  136200  has a total call value of 25,980,000  versus a total put value of  8,240,000 Combined total value = 34,220,000

Strike  136300  has a total call value of 27,770,000  versus a total put value of  7,910,000 Combined total value = 35,680,000

Strike  136400  has a total call value of 29,560,000  versus a total put value of  7,580,000 Combined total value = 37,140,000

Strike  136500  has a total call value of 31,350,000  versus a total put value of  7,250,000 Combined total value = 38,600,000

Strike  136600  has a total call value of 33,140,000  versus a total put value of  6,920,000 Combined total value = 40,060,000

Strike  136700  has a total call value of 34,930,000  versus a total put value of  6,590,000 Combined total value = 41,520,000

Strike  136800  has a total call value of 36,720,000  versus a total put value of  6,260,000 Combined total value = 42,980,000

Strike  136900  has a total call value of 38,510,000  versus a total put value of  5,930,000 Combined total value = 44,440,000

Strike  137000  has a total call value of 40,300,000  versus a total put value of  5,600,000 Combined total value = 45,900,000

Strike  137100  has a total call value of 42,090,000  versus a total put value of  5,300,000 Combined total value = 47,390,000

Strike  137200  has a total call value of 43,880,000  versus a total put value of  5,000,000 Combined total value = 48,880,000

Strike  137300  has a total call value of 45,670,000  versus a total put value of  4,700,000 Combined total value = 50,370,000

Strike  137400  has a total call value of 47,460,000  versus a total put value of  4,400,000 Combined total value = 51,860,000

Strike  137500  has a total call value of 49,250,000  versus a total put value of  4,100,000 Combined total value = 53,350,000

Strike  137600  has a total call value of 51,040,000  versus a total put value of  3,800,000 Combined total value = 54,840,000

Strike  137700  has a total call value of 52,830,000  versus a total put value of  3,500,000 Combined total value = 56,330,000

Strike  137800  has a total call value of 54,620,000  versus a total put value of  3,200,000 Combined total value = 57,820,000

Strike  137900  has a total call value of 56,410,000  versus a total put value of  2,900,000 Combined total value = 59,310,000

Strike  138000  has a total call value of 58,200,000  versus a total put value of  2,600,000 Combined total value = 60,800,000

Strike  138100  has a total call value of 60,550,000  versus a total put value of  2,470,000 Combined total value = 63,020,000

Strike  138200  has a total call value of 62,900,000  versus a total put value of  2,340,000 Combined total value = 65,240,000

Strike  138300  has a total call value of 65,250,000  versus a total put value of  2,210,000 Combined total value = 67,460,000

Strike  138400  has a total call value of 67,600,000  versus a total put value of  2,080,000 Combined total value = 69,680,000

Strike  138500  has a total call value of 69,950,000  versus a total put value of  1,950,000 Combined total value = 71,900,000

Strike  138600  has a total call value of 72,300,000  versus a total put value of  1,820,000 Combined total value = 74,120,000

Strike  138700  has a total call value of 74,650,000  versus a total put value of  1,690,000 Combined total value = 76,340,000

Strike  138800  has a total call value of 77,000,000  versus a total put value of  1,560,000 Combined total value = 78,560,000

Strike  138900  has a total call value of 79,350,000  versus a total put value of  1,430,000 Combined total value = 80,780,000

Strike  139000  has a total call value of 81,700,000  versus a total put value of  1,300,000 Combined total value = 83,000,000

Strike  139100  has a total call value of 84,600,000  versus a total put value of  1,170,000 Combined total value = 85,770,000

Strike  139200  has a total call value of 87,500,000  versus a total put value of  1,040,000 Combined total value = 88,540,000

Strike  139300  has a total call value of 90,400,000  versus a total put value of  910,000 Combined total value = 91,310,000

Strike  139400  has a total call value of 93,300,000  versus a total put value of  780,000 Combined total value = 94,080,000

Strike  139500  has a total call value of 96,200,000  versus a total put value of  650,000 Combined total value = 96,850,000

Strike  139600  has a total call value of 99,100,000  versus a total put value of  520,000 Combined total value = 99,620,000

Strike  139700  has a total call value of 102,000,000  versus a total put value of  390,000 Combined total value = 102,390,000

Strike  139800  has a total call value of 104,900,000  versus a total put value of  260,000 Combined total value = 105,160,000

Strike  139900  has a total call value of 107,800,000  versus a total put value of  130,000 Combined total value = 107,930,000

Strike  140000  has a total call value of 110,700,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 110,700,000

Strike  140100  has a total call value of 115,120,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 115,120,000

Strike  140200  has a total call value of 119,540,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 119,540,000

Strike  140300  has a total call value of 123,960,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 123,960,000

Strike  140400  has a total call value of 128,380,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 128,380,000

Strike  140500  has a total call value of 132,800,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 132,800,000

Strike  140600  has a total call value of 137,220,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 137,220,000

Strike  140700  has a total call value of 141,640,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 141,640,000

Strike  140800  has a total call value of 146,060,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 146,060,000

Strike  140900  has a total call value of 150,480,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 150,480,000

Strike  141000  has a total call value of 154,900,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 154,900,000

Strike  141100  has a total call value of 159,410,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 159,410,000

Strike  141200  has a total call value of 163,920,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 163,920,000

Strike  141300  has a total call value of 168,430,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 168,430,000

Strike  141400  has a total call value of 172,940,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 172,940,000

Strike  141500  has a total call value of 177,450,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 177,450,000

Strike  141600  has a total call value of 181,960,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 181,960,000

Strike  141700  has a total call value of 186,470,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 186,470,000

Strike  141800  has a total call value of 190,980,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 190,980,000

Strike  141900  has a total call value of 195,490,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 195,490,000

Strike  142000  has a total call value of 200,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 200,000,000

Max-Pain Table for Stocks
LTP > Max Pain Bearish
LTP < Max Pain Bullish
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.