Binary Options Basics: What Is A Strike Price?

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In options trading, the strike price determines the price at which the option holder can buy or sell the underlying asset. The strike price is one of the key factors that determine whether a binary option is profitable or unprofitable.

A strike price, referred to as the exercise price, is the predetermined price at which the owner of a financial derivative, such as an options contract, can buy or sell the underlying asset. For call options, it is the price at which the option holder can buy the underlying asset, and for put options, it is the price at which the option holder can sell the underlying asset.

The strike price is a critical element in options trading, as it influences the potential profit or loss from the options contract.

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What is a strike price in binary options?

In binary options, the strike price is the price at which the underlying asset is valued at the expiration of the option. The strike price is set by the option writer and is the same for both the buyer and the seller of the option.

  • An option expires in the money if the price of the underlying asset at expiration is equal to or greater than the strike price for a call option, or equal to or less than the strike price for a put option.

  • An option expires out of the money if the price of the underlying asset at expiration is less than the strike price for a call option, or greater than the strike price for a put option.

Binary options are characterized by their simplicity and all-or-nothing nature, where traders bet on whether the price of the underlying asset will be above or below the strike price at expiration. The strike price is the reference point that determines the outcome of the binary option contract.

What is the strike price with example?

The chart below visualizes the strike price on a gold options chart.

PocketOption.com

In simple words, in binary options, the strike price is the current price at which you open a position. This is the base case scenario. In advanced options trading, the strike price can be selected above or below the current price.

To learn more about the mechanics by which the options markets work, we recommend reading this article:

To learn more about the mechanics by which the options markets work, we recommend reading this article: Key Facts to Know About Binary Options Trading.

How does the strike price affect binary options trading?

The strike price plays a crucial role in binary options trading as it directly affects the potential profit or loss of a binary option contract. Here's how the strike price influences binary options trading:

  • 1

    It determines the potential payout for a winning trade. The higher the strike price, the greater the potential payout for a winning call option trade. The lower the strike price, the greater the potential payout for a winning put option trade.

  • 2

    It determines the risk of a losing trade. The higher the strike price, the greater the risk of a losing call option trade. The lower the strike price, the greater the risk of a losing put option trade.

  • 3

    Predicting Market Direction: Traders need to make an educated guess about whether the underlying asset's price will be above or below the strike price at the option's expiration. This involves analyzing market conditions, technical and fundamental factors, and making a decision based on this analysis.

The strike price is a pivotal factor in binary options trading because it defines the conditions for profitability and influences the potential payout. Traders need to make informed decisions about the direction of the underlying asset's price relative to the strike price to be successful in binary options trading.

If you're willing to know more on how to be successful in binary options trading, this is a must read.

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Conclusion

The strike price is a fundamental element in binary options trading that directly impacts the potential outcome and profitability of a trade. It serves as the reference point that determines whether a binary option expires in-the-money or out-of-the-money.

Traders must carefully consider the strike price in conjunction with their market analysis, risk tolerance, and time to expiration when making trading decisions.

It's an essential component of binary options trading that requires a thoughtful approach to predict the movement of underlying asset prices and manage risk effectively.

FAQs

How does strike price work in options?

The strike price in options is the price at which the option holder can buy or sell the underlying asset. It determines the conditions for option profitability and risk.

How are binary options priced?

Binary options are usually priced based on market factors, such as the current price of the underlying asset, the time to expiration, market volatility, and the risk-reward profile.

The pricing of binary options reflects the probability of the option expiring in-the-money and is influenced by supply and demand dynamics in the options market.

Do options have a strike price?

Yes, options have a strike price, which is a specified price at which the option holder can buy or sell the underlying asset.

Can option strike price be zero?

No, option strike prices cannot be zero. They must have a non-zero value, which is determined when the option is created.

Team that worked on the article

Upendra Goswami
Contributor

Upendra Goswami is a full-time digital content creator, marketer, and active investor. As a creator, he loves writing about online trading, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and stock trading.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).