Understanding options trading requires familiarity with key concepts like "in the money" (ITM), a term that signifies an option’s intrinsic value and potential profitability. Whether you're new to options or refining your strategy, grasping what it means for an option to be ITM is essential for making informed trading decisions.
What Does In the Money (ITM) Mean?
In options trading, "in the money" refers to a contract that has intrinsic value—meaning it would be profitable if exercised immediately. This status depends on the relationship between the option’s strike price and the current market price of the underlying asset.
For call options, a contract is in the money when the strike price is below the current market price. For put options, it’s in the money when the strike price is above the current market price. This intrinsic value makes ITM options more expensive than their out-of-the-money (OTM) counterparts, but also increases the probability of a successful trade.
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It's important to note that being in the money doesn’t guarantee a net profit after accounting for the premium paid. However, ITM options are more likely to be exercised or sold at a gain, especially as expiration approaches.
How ITM Options Work
ITM options behave differently depending on whether they’re calls or puts, but both benefit from having intrinsic value.
Call Options: Bullish Bets with Immediate Value
When you hold an in-the-money call, you have the right to buy shares at a price lower than the current market value. For example, if a stock is trading at $60 and you own a call with a $50 strike, you’re effectively gaining $10 per share in intrinsic value.
This advantage makes ITM calls attractive for traders seeking lower-risk entry points into bullish positions—especially compared to OTM calls, which rely entirely on future price movement.
Put Options: Profiting from Declines
An in-the-money put gives you the right to sell shares at a price higher than the current market value. If a stock trades at $35 and your put has a $40 strike, you lock in $5 of intrinsic value per share.
Traders use ITM puts not only to profit from falling prices but also as a hedge against long stock positions.
Both ITM calls and puts consist of two components: intrinsic value and extrinsic value (also known as time value). As expiration nears, extrinsic value decays—making time a critical factor in options pricing.
In the Money Options Example
Let’s consider a practical scenario using SPY, one of the most widely traded ETFs.
Imagine viewing an options chain on a trading platform like ThinkorSwim. The strike prices shaded in gray represent ITM options:
- For calls, these are strikes below SPY’s current market price.
- For puts, these are strikes above the current price.
Each contract controls 100 shares, so even small intrinsic values can translate into meaningful gains. A call option with $2 of intrinsic value yields $200 per contract (2 × 100) if exercised.
Advanced traders often layer in tools like delta, implied volatility, and open interest to assess the likelihood of an option staying ITM through expiration.
In the Money vs. Out of the Money: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | In the Money (ITM) | Out of the Money (OTM) |
|---|---|---|
| Intrinsic Value | Yes | No |
| Premium Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Likelihood of Profit | Greater | Lower |
| Exercise Probability | High | Low |
| Expiration Risk | Less likely to expire worthless | More likely to expire worthless |
While OTM options are cheaper and offer higher leverage, they require larger price movements to become profitable. ITM options, though pricier, provide a built-in edge due to their intrinsic value.
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Key Takeaways
- An option is in the money when it has intrinsic value based on the relationship between strike price and market price.
- Call options are ITM when the strike is below market price; put options are ITM when the strike is above.
- ITM contracts carry higher premiums due to their immediate profitability potential.
- These options are more likely to be exercised or sold for a gain.
- Intrinsic value + extrinsic (time) value = total option premium.
- Being ITM increases the probability of success but doesn’t guarantee net profit after costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "in the money" mean in options trading?
"In the money" means an option has intrinsic value and would be profitable if exercised immediately. For calls, this happens when the market price is above the strike; for puts, when it's below.
Is an in-the-money option always profitable?
Not necessarily. While it has intrinsic value, profitability depends on whether that value exceeds the premium paid. Transaction costs may also affect net gains.
Can you lose money on an ITM option?
Yes. If the cost basis (premium paid) is higher than the intrinsic value at expiration, or if time decay erodes extrinsic value too quickly, losses can occur—even if the option ends ITM.
How is intrinsic value calculated?
For calls: Market Price – Strike Price
For puts: Strike Price – Market Price
If the result is negative, the option has no intrinsic value.
Why are ITM options more expensive?
They include both intrinsic and extrinsic value. The built-in profitability makes them more desirable and thus priced higher than OTM or at-the-money (ATM) options.
Should beginners trade ITM options?
Many experts recommend ITM contracts for beginners due to their lower risk profile and higher probability of success compared to OTM alternatives.
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Core Keywords
- In the money options
- ITM call option
- ITM put option
- Options strike price
- Intrinsic value in options
- Options trading basics
- Extrinsic value
- Options chain analysis
By understanding how in-the-money options function, traders can make smarter decisions about entry points, risk management, and position structuring. Whether used for speculation or hedging, ITM contracts offer a strategic advantage rooted in tangible value—one of the foundational pillars of successful options trading.