Derivatives

What is Call Option?

A call option gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy an asset at a predetermined price before a specific date, used for bullish bets and hedging.

Formula

Call Payoff = max(0, Stock Price at Expiry - Strike Price) - Premium Paid

How to Interpret

Buying calls is a leveraged bullish bet with limited downside (you only lose the premium). Selling calls generates income but has unlimited risk if the stock surges.

Typical Ranges

In US markets, SPX/SPY (S&P 500), QQQ (Nasdaq-100), and single-name tech (AAPL, NVDA, TSLA) options dominate volume, monthly and weekly expiries available. Or international markets like India: Nifty and Bank Nifty options are most liquid, with weekly expiries dominating.

Learn More in the Academy