ATM - At-The-Money Option
An ATM option is an option for which the current price of the underlying asset (such as a stock) is approximately equal to or very close to an option strike price.
For example, if a stock is trading at $50 and the option strike price is also $50, then the option is considered ATM.
OTM – Out-of-The-Money Option
An OTM option is an option for which the current price of the underlying asset is lower (for CALL options) or higher (for PUT options) than the strike price. In other words, it is not profitable to exercise the option at the current price of the asset.
For example, a CALL option with a strike price of $60 when a stock price is $50 is considered OTM.
ITM - In-The-Money Option
An ITM option is an option for which the current price of the underlying asset is higher (for CALL options) or lower (for PUT options) than the strike price. It is profitable to exercise the option at the current price of the asset.
For example, a CALL option with a strike price of $40 and a stock price of $50 is considered ITM.
Option Categories | Call option strike | Put option strike |
|---|---|---|
In-The-Money, ITM | Less than $50 | More than $50 |
At-The-Money, ATM | Equal to $50 | Equal to $50 |
Out of-The-Money, OTM | More than $50 | Less than $50 |