Option Chains

Instructions

You can view Option Chains on the selected instrument and quickly create an order by clicking the bid or ask price for a specific contract. Follow the steps below.

  1. Click the Trade tab followed by Option Chain.

    • Alternatively, click Menu in the top left corner > Trade > Option Chain.

    Image displays the Option Chain menu in Portal.

  2. Use the search bar to find a contract or underlying symbol.

  3. To filter the options, click the Settings icon shown below.

    Image of the option chain settings for an instrument in Portal.

  4. To make a change, select any of the layout settings.

    Image of the option chain settings in Portal.

  5. Click Done.

  6. To create an order from an Option Chain:

    • Choose an expiration date using the tabs along the top of the screen. Call options will populate on the left and Put options on the right.

    • To change the view, select the View button in the top left corner. 

    • Click the Bid price (for a sell order) or the Ask price (for a buy order) for the contract you want to trade. .

    • A pop-up will appear on the right side with a summary of your trade. Click the blue Order button in the top right corner.

    • The Order Ticket panel will populate. Modify the parameters as needed.

    • Elect to Preview or Submit the order.

      Image of the order ticket in Portal.

  7. To create an option combination order from an Option Chain:

    • Choose an expiration date using the tabs along the top of the screen. Call options will populate on the left and Put options on the right.

    • To change the view, select the View button in the top left corner.

    • Click the Bid price (for a sell order) or the Ask price (for a buy order) for the contract you want to trade.

    • As you select multiple contracts, they will be added as legs to your combination.

    • Once you have selected all desired legs, a pop-up will appear on the right side with a summary of your trade. Click the blue Order button in the top right corner.

    • The Order Ticket panel will populate. Modify the order as needed.

    • Elect to Preview or Submit the order.

  8. For convenience, the order fields will be pre-filled based on the option contract for which you clicked the Bid or Ask price. Order values can be modified before you submit the order.

 

Additional Resources

Learn About Trading in the Portal at IBKR Campus

Visit the IBKR Advisor Portal Website