Hypothetical scenarios

Options expiration examples

These examples are simplified contract math. They do not include fees, taxes, margin, liquidity, dividends, or broker-specific treatment.

Long $100 call, stock $103$3 intrinsic value per share before premium
Long $100 put, stock $96$4 intrinsic value per share before premium
Short $50 put, assignedPossible $5,000 gross stock purchase per contract
Near-the-money optionInstructions and after-hours moves can matter

Key lesson

The right question is not only “Will it expire in the money?” It is also “What position will I own Monday, and can my account handle it?”

Primary reading: OIC options basics and Expiration Friday · OIC exercising options · OIC options exercise FAQ · FINRA options overview and expiration risk · OCC Options Disclosure Document

Explore this topic cluster

Related lessons and tools on this site

Start with the main guideOptions Expiration Help: What Happens and What to CheckOptions Expiration PlannerIn the Money, At the Money, and Out of the Money at ExpirationExercise vs ExpirationAutomatic Exercise and Exercise-by-ExceptionAfter-Hours Moves and Expiration RiskAssignment at ExpirationOptions Expiration ChecklistOptions Expiration FAQSources and Methodology for Options Expiration Help

Optional related resources

More Calculators and Tools

Options problem-solving resourceReview assignment risk with Options Assignment HelpCovered call calculatorPlan covered-call outcomes with Covered Call Calculator
Reviewed/updated 2026-07-30 · SourcesMethodologyRisk disclosureCorrections

Optional bonus

Join the Free Options Formula Trading Lab

Get the options process in one place: structured trade ideas, research tools, calculators, education, market context, and support from traders focused on defined-risk setups.

Join the Free Trading Lab

No hype, no promises of wins, and no pretending every setup works. The free group is built to help you make every trade a clear decision instead of a reaction.