Options Basics

Learn the fundamentals of options trading with real‑world examples.

Introduction

I'm a software engineer & options trader. In this video you'll learn:

What Are Options?

Options are contracts giving you the right, not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset at a set price by expiration.

Key Point: One contract controls 100 shares.

Terminology

Buying vs. Selling Calls & Puts

Calls

Buy Call

  • Right to buy 100 shares
  • Pay premium up front
  • Profit if price > strike + premium
  • Max loss = premium; profit unlimited

Sell Call

  • Obligation to sell 100 shares
  • Receive premium up front
  • Profit = premium + capital gains

Puts

Buy Put

  • Right to sell 100 shares
  • Pay premium up front
  • Profit if price < strike − premium
  • Max loss = premium

Sell Put

  • Obligation to buy 100 shares
  • Receive premium up front
  • Profit = premium; risk = strike − premium