[--[65.84.65.76]--]

MIDCPNIFTY

Nifty Midcap Select
13862.35 +117.20 (0.85%)
L: 13727.85 H: 13875.05
Max Pain - MIDCPNIFTY
21 Dec 2025 11:59 PM IST


Strike  11100  has a total call value of 0  versus a total put value of  2,291,096,150,000 Combined total value = 2,291,096,150,000

Strike  11125  has a total call value of 350,000  versus a total put value of  2,266,087,250,000 Combined total value = 2,266,087,600,000

Strike  11150  has a total call value of 700,000  versus a total put value of  2,241,078,350,000 Combined total value = 2,241,079,050,000

Strike  11175  has a total call value of 1,050,000  versus a total put value of  2,216,069,450,000 Combined total value = 2,216,070,500,000

Strike  11200  has a total call value of 1,400,000  versus a total put value of  2,191,060,550,000 Combined total value = 2,191,061,950,000

Strike  11225  has a total call value of 1,750,000  versus a total put value of  2,166,056,900,000 Combined total value = 2,166,058,650,000

Strike  11250  has a total call value of 2,100,000  versus a total put value of  2,141,053,250,000 Combined total value = 2,141,055,350,000

Strike  11275  has a total call value of 2,450,000  versus a total put value of  2,116,049,600,000 Combined total value = 2,116,052,050,000

Strike  11300  has a total call value of 2,800,000  versus a total put value of  2,091,045,950,000 Combined total value = 2,091,048,750,000

Strike  11325  has a total call value of 3,150,000  versus a total put value of  2,066,052,800,000 Combined total value = 2,066,055,950,000

Strike  11350  has a total call value of 3,500,000  versus a total put value of  2,041,059,650,000 Combined total value = 2,041,063,150,000

Strike  11375  has a total call value of 3,850,000  versus a total put value of  2,016,066,500,000 Combined total value = 2,016,070,350,000

Strike  11400  has a total call value of 4,200,000  versus a total put value of  1,991,073,350,000 Combined total value = 1,991,077,550,000

Strike  11425  has a total call value of 4,550,000  versus a total put value of  1,966,086,850,000 Combined total value = 1,966,091,400,000

Strike  11450  has a total call value of 4,900,000  versus a total put value of  1,941,100,350,000 Combined total value = 1,941,105,250,000

Strike  11475  has a total call value of 5,250,000  versus a total put value of  1,916,113,850,000 Combined total value = 1,916,119,100,000

Strike  11500  has a total call value of 5,600,000  versus a total put value of  1,891,127,350,000 Combined total value = 1,891,132,950,000

Strike  11525  has a total call value of 8,050,000  versus a total put value of  1,866,165,700,000 Combined total value = 1,866,173,750,000

Strike  11550  has a total call value of 10,500,000  versus a total put value of  1,841,204,050,000 Combined total value = 1,841,214,550,000

Strike  11575  has a total call value of 12,950,000  versus a total put value of  1,816,242,400,000 Combined total value = 1,816,255,350,000

Strike  11600  has a total call value of 15,400,000  versus a total put value of  1,791,280,750,000 Combined total value = 1,791,296,150,000

Strike  11625  has a total call value of 17,850,000  versus a total put value of  1,766,323,300,000 Combined total value = 1,766,341,150,000

Strike  11650  has a total call value of 20,300,000  versus a total put value of  1,741,365,850,000 Combined total value = 1,741,386,150,000

Strike  11675  has a total call value of 22,750,000  versus a total put value of  1,716,408,400,000 Combined total value = 1,716,431,150,000

Strike  11700  has a total call value of 25,200,000  versus a total put value of  1,691,450,950,000 Combined total value = 1,691,476,150,000

Strike  11725  has a total call value of 27,650,000  versus a total put value of  1,666,501,550,000 Combined total value = 1,666,529,200,000

Strike  11750  has a total call value of 30,100,000  versus a total put value of  1,641,552,150,000 Combined total value = 1,641,582,250,000

Strike  11775  has a total call value of 32,550,000  versus a total put value of  1,616,602,750,000 Combined total value = 1,616,635,300,000

Strike  11800  has a total call value of 35,000,000  versus a total put value of  1,591,653,350,000 Combined total value = 1,591,688,350,000

Strike  11825  has a total call value of 37,450,000  versus a total put value of  1,566,707,100,000 Combined total value = 1,566,744,550,000

Strike  11850  has a total call value of 39,900,000  versus a total put value of  1,541,760,850,000 Combined total value = 1,541,800,750,000

Strike  11875  has a total call value of 42,350,000  versus a total put value of  1,516,859,050,000 Combined total value = 1,516,901,400,000

Strike  11900  has a total call value of 44,800,000  versus a total put value of  1,491,965,650,000 Combined total value = 1,492,010,450,000

Strike  11925  has a total call value of 47,250,000  versus a total put value of  1,467,086,950,000 Combined total value = 1,467,134,200,000

Strike  11950  has a total call value of 49,700,000  versus a total put value of  1,442,221,900,000 Combined total value = 1,442,271,600,000

Strike  11975  has a total call value of 52,150,000  versus a total put value of  1,417,374,000,000 Combined total value = 1,417,426,150,000

Strike  12000  has a total call value of 54,600,000  versus a total put value of  1,392,539,050,000 Combined total value = 1,392,593,650,000

Strike  12025  has a total call value of 58,800,000  versus a total put value of  1,368,268,300,000 Combined total value = 1,368,327,100,000

Strike  12050  has a total call value of 63,000,000  versus a total put value of  1,344,002,450,000 Combined total value = 1,344,065,450,000

Strike  12075  has a total call value of 67,200,000  versus a total put value of  1,319,741,500,000 Combined total value = 1,319,808,700,000

Strike  12100  has a total call value of 71,400,000  versus a total put value of  1,295,485,800,000 Combined total value = 1,295,557,200,000

Strike  12125  has a total call value of 78,050,000  versus a total put value of  1,271,238,150,000 Combined total value = 1,271,316,200,000

Strike  12150  has a total call value of 84,700,000  versus a total put value of  1,246,995,400,000 Combined total value = 1,247,080,100,000

Strike  12175  has a total call value of 91,350,000  versus a total put value of  1,222,759,300,000 Combined total value = 1,222,850,650,000

Strike  12200  has a total call value of 98,000,000  versus a total put value of  1,198,528,100,000 Combined total value = 1,198,626,100,000

Strike  12225  has a total call value of 104,650,000  versus a total put value of  1,174,306,700,000 Combined total value = 1,174,411,350,000

Strike  12250  has a total call value of 111,300,000  versus a total put value of  1,150,088,800,000 Combined total value = 1,150,200,100,000

Strike  12275  has a total call value of 117,950,000  versus a total put value of  1,125,877,900,000 Combined total value = 1,125,995,850,000

Strike  12300  has a total call value of 124,600,000  versus a total put value of  1,101,670,850,000 Combined total value = 1,101,795,450,000

Strike  12325  has a total call value of 131,250,000  versus a total put value of  1,077,507,200,000 Combined total value = 1,077,638,450,000

Strike  12350  has a total call value of 137,900,000  versus a total put value of  1,053,346,350,000 Combined total value = 1,053,484,250,000

Strike  12375  has a total call value of 144,550,000  versus a total put value of  1,029,187,950,000 Combined total value = 1,029,332,500,000

Strike  12400  has a total call value of 151,200,000  versus a total put value of  1,005,033,400,000 Combined total value = 1,005,184,600,000

Strike  12425  has a total call value of 157,850,000  versus a total put value of  980,907,550,000 Combined total value = 981,065,400,000

Strike  12450  has a total call value of 164,500,000  versus a total put value of  956,786,600,000 Combined total value = 956,951,100,000

Strike  12475  has a total call value of 171,150,000  versus a total put value of  932,676,150,000 Combined total value = 932,847,300,000

Strike  12500  has a total call value of 177,800,000  versus a total put value of  908,580,050,000 Combined total value = 908,757,850,000

Strike  12525  has a total call value of 245,700,000  versus a total put value of  885,095,400,000 Combined total value = 885,341,100,000

Strike  12550  has a total call value of 313,600,000  versus a total put value of  861,623,000,000 Combined total value = 861,936,600,000

Strike  12575  has a total call value of 381,500,000  versus a total put value of  838,154,800,000 Combined total value = 838,536,300,000

Strike  12600  has a total call value of 449,400,000  versus a total put value of  814,691,150,000 Combined total value = 815,140,550,000

Strike  12625  has a total call value of 517,300,000  versus a total put value of  791,374,850,000 Combined total value = 791,892,150,000

Strike  12650  has a total call value of 585,200,000  versus a total put value of  768,063,100,000 Combined total value = 768,648,300,000

Strike  12675  has a total call value of 653,100,000  versus a total put value of  744,759,400,000 Combined total value = 745,412,500,000

Strike  12700  has a total call value of 721,000,000  versus a total put value of  721,458,850,000 Combined total value = 722,179,850,000

Strike  12725  has a total call value of 788,900,000  versus a total put value of  698,432,000,000 Combined total value = 699,220,900,000

Strike  12750  has a total call value of 856,800,000  versus a total put value of  675,409,350,000 Combined total value = 676,266,150,000

Strike  12775  has a total call value of 924,700,000  versus a total put value of  652,417,850,000 Combined total value = 653,342,550,000

Strike  12800  has a total call value of 992,600,000  versus a total put value of  629,445,600,000 Combined total value = 630,438,200,000

Strike  12825  has a total call value of 1,060,500,000  versus a total put value of  607,151,300,000 Combined total value = 608,211,800,000

Strike  12850  has a total call value of 1,128,400,000  versus a total put value of  584,876,950,000 Combined total value = 586,005,350,000

Strike  12875  has a total call value of 1,196,300,000  versus a total put value of  562,622,550,000 Combined total value = 563,818,850,000

Strike  12900  has a total call value of 1,264,200,000  versus a total put value of  540,373,400,000 Combined total value = 541,637,600,000

Strike  12925  has a total call value of 1,332,450,000  versus a total put value of  518,502,600,000 Combined total value = 519,835,050,000

Strike  12950  has a total call value of 1,400,700,000  versus a total put value of  496,635,300,000 Combined total value = 498,036,000,000

Strike  12975  has a total call value of 1,468,950,000  versus a total put value of  474,955,600,000 Combined total value = 476,424,550,000

Strike  13000  has a total call value of 1,537,200,000  versus a total put value of  453,289,900,000 Combined total value = 454,827,100,000

Strike  13025  has a total call value of 1,687,700,000  versus a total put value of  434,085,050,000 Combined total value = 435,772,750,000

Strike  13050  has a total call value of 1,838,200,000  versus a total put value of  414,895,950,000 Combined total value = 416,734,150,000

Strike  13075  has a total call value of 1,988,700,000  versus a total put value of  395,798,200,000 Combined total value = 397,786,900,000

Strike  13100  has a total call value of 2,139,200,000  versus a total put value of  376,710,950,000 Combined total value = 378,850,150,000

Strike  13125  has a total call value of 2,289,700,000  versus a total put value of  358,842,050,000 Combined total value = 361,131,750,000

Strike  13150  has a total call value of 2,440,200,000  versus a total put value of  340,996,950,000 Combined total value = 343,437,150,000

Strike  13175  has a total call value of 2,590,700,000  versus a total put value of  323,442,350,000 Combined total value = 326,033,050,000

Strike  13200  has a total call value of 2,742,250,000  versus a total put value of  305,943,750,000 Combined total value = 308,686,000,000

Strike  13225  has a total call value of 2,900,450,000  versus a total put value of  290,086,300,000 Combined total value = 292,986,750,000

Strike  13250  has a total call value of 3,062,150,000  versus a total put value of  274,273,650,000 Combined total value = 277,335,800,000

Strike  13275  has a total call value of 3,227,350,000  versus a total put value of  258,841,450,000 Combined total value = 262,068,800,000

Strike  13300  has a total call value of 3,393,250,000  versus a total put value of  243,457,200,000 Combined total value = 246,850,450,000

Strike  13325  has a total call value of 3,570,000,000  versus a total put value of  228,967,900,000 Combined total value = 232,537,900,000

Strike  13350  has a total call value of 3,747,800,000  versus a total put value of  214,518,500,000 Combined total value = 218,266,300,000

Strike  13375  has a total call value of 3,926,300,000  versus a total put value of  200,228,000,000 Combined total value = 204,154,300,000

Strike  13400  has a total call value of 4,104,800,000  versus a total put value of  185,978,450,000 Combined total value = 190,083,250,000

Strike  13425  has a total call value of 4,308,150,000  versus a total put value of  172,871,300,000 Combined total value = 177,179,450,000

Strike  13450  has a total call value of 4,512,900,000  versus a total put value of  159,791,800,000 Combined total value = 164,304,700,000

Strike  13475  has a total call value of 4,721,500,000  versus a total put value of  146,909,700,000 Combined total value = 151,631,200,000

Strike  13500  has a total call value of 4,930,450,000  versus a total put value of  134,061,550,000 Combined total value = 138,992,000,000

Strike  13525  has a total call value of 5,544,350,000  versus a total put value of  123,365,550,000 Combined total value = 128,909,900,000

Strike  13550  has a total call value of 6,168,750,000  versus a total put value of  112,726,950,000 Combined total value = 118,895,700,000

Strike  13575  has a total call value of 6,840,400,000  versus a total put value of  102,303,600,000 Combined total value = 109,144,000,000

Strike  13600  has a total call value of 7,533,750,000  versus a total put value of  91,950,600,000 Combined total value = 99,484,350,000

Strike  13625  has a total call value of 8,624,350,000  versus a total put value of  84,046,200,000 Combined total value = 92,670,550,000

Strike  13650  has a total call value of 9,738,400,000  versus a total put value of  76,266,050,000 Combined total value = 86,004,450,000

Strike  13675  has a total call value of 11,070,150,000  versus a total put value of  68,786,900,000 Combined total value = 79,857,050,000

Strike  13700  has a total call value of 12,463,500,000  versus a total put value of  61,412,050,000 Combined total value = 73,875,550,000

Strike  13725  has a total call value of 14,526,050,000  versus a total put value of  55,455,050,000 Combined total value = 69,981,100,000

Strike  13750  has a total call value of 16,648,100,000  versus a total put value of  49,609,700,000 Combined total value = 66,257,800,000

Strike  13775  has a total call value of 18,950,050,000  versus a total put value of  44,187,850,000 Combined total value = 63,137,900,000

Strike  13800  has a total call value of 21,318,850,000  versus a total put value of  38,880,800,000 Combined total value = 60,199,650,000

Strike  13825  has a total call value of 24,871,000,000  versus a total put value of  34,942,250,000 Combined total value = 59,813,250,000

Strike  13850  has a total call value of 28,517,300,000  versus a total put value of  31,123,750,000 Combined total value = 59,641,050,000

Strike  13875  has a total call value of 32,411,050,000  versus a total put value of  27,585,600,000 Combined total value = 59,996,650,000

Strike  13900  has a total call value of 36,408,750,000  versus a total put value of  24,122,000,000 Combined total value = 60,530,750,000

Strike  13925  has a total call value of 41,410,950,000  versus a total put value of  21,346,500,000 Combined total value = 62,757,450,000

Strike  13950  has a total call value of 46,514,300,000  versus a total put value of  18,602,500,000 Combined total value = 65,116,800,000

Strike  13975  has a total call value of 51,832,550,000  versus a total put value of  15,947,050,000 Combined total value = 67,779,600,000

Strike  14000  has a total call value of 57,239,700,000  versus a total put value of  13,329,400,000 Combined total value = 70,569,100,000

Strike  14025  has a total call value of 65,187,150,000  versus a total put value of  11,932,200,000 Combined total value = 77,119,350,000

Strike  14050  has a total call value of 73,218,950,000  versus a total put value of  10,569,650,000 Combined total value = 83,788,600,000

Strike  14075  has a total call value of 81,597,600,000  versus a total put value of  9,276,050,000 Combined total value = 90,873,650,000

Strike  14100  has a total call value of 90,075,650,000  versus a total put value of  8,018,850,000 Combined total value = 98,094,500,000

Strike  14125  has a total call value of 100,218,650,000  versus a total put value of  7,390,250,000 Combined total value = 107,608,900,000

Strike  14150  has a total call value of 110,434,450,000  versus a total put value of  6,794,550,000 Combined total value = 117,229,000,000

Strike  14175  has a total call value of 120,850,450,000  versus a total put value of  6,263,250,000 Combined total value = 127,113,700,000

Strike  14200  has a total call value of 131,325,600,000  versus a total put value of  5,749,450,000 Combined total value = 137,075,050,000

Strike  14225  has a total call value of 143,572,100,000  versus a total put value of  5,308,450,000 Combined total value = 148,880,550,000

Strike  14250  has a total call value of 155,849,400,000  versus a total put value of  4,875,500,000 Combined total value = 160,724,900,000

Strike  14275  has a total call value of 168,576,450,000  versus a total put value of  4,464,600,000 Combined total value = 173,041,050,000

Strike  14300  has a total call value of 181,346,200,000  versus a total put value of  4,066,300,000 Combined total value = 185,412,500,000

Strike  14325  has a total call value of 195,596,450,000  versus a total put value of  3,855,250,000 Combined total value = 199,451,700,000

Strike  14350  has a total call value of 209,874,700,000  versus a total put value of  3,644,200,000 Combined total value = 213,518,900,000

Strike  14375  has a total call value of 224,299,250,000  versus a total put value of  3,433,150,000 Combined total value = 227,732,400,000

Strike  14400  has a total call value of 238,750,400,000  versus a total put value of  3,222,100,000 Combined total value = 241,972,500,000

Strike  14425  has a total call value of 254,416,750,000  versus a total put value of  3,038,700,000 Combined total value = 257,455,450,000

Strike  14450  has a total call value of 270,108,650,000  versus a total put value of  2,855,300,000 Combined total value = 272,963,950,000

Strike  14475  has a total call value of 285,941,250,000  versus a total put value of  2,672,250,000 Combined total value = 288,613,500,000

Strike  14500  has a total call value of 301,791,350,000  versus a total put value of  2,489,200,000 Combined total value = 304,280,550,000

Strike  14525  has a total call value of 320,301,100,000  versus a total put value of  2,368,450,000 Combined total value = 322,669,550,000

Strike  14550  has a total call value of 338,821,350,000  versus a total put value of  2,247,700,000 Combined total value = 341,069,050,000

Strike  14575  has a total call value of 357,446,950,000  versus a total put value of  2,126,950,000 Combined total value = 359,573,900,000

Strike  14600  has a total call value of 376,084,450,000  versus a total put value of  2,006,200,000 Combined total value = 378,090,650,000

Strike  14625  has a total call value of 395,481,100,000  versus a total put value of  1,885,450,000 Combined total value = 397,366,550,000

Strike  14650  has a total call value of 414,881,250,000  versus a total put value of  1,764,700,000 Combined total value = 416,645,950,000

Strike  14675  has a total call value of 434,335,300,000  versus a total put value of  1,643,950,000 Combined total value = 435,979,250,000

Strike  14700  has a total call value of 453,794,250,000  versus a total put value of  1,523,200,000 Combined total value = 455,317,450,000

Strike  14725  has a total call value of 474,077,100,000  versus a total put value of  1,402,450,000 Combined total value = 475,479,550,000

Strike  14750  has a total call value of 494,368,000,000  versus a total put value of  1,281,700,000 Combined total value = 495,649,700,000

Strike  14775  has a total call value of 514,664,850,000  versus a total put value of  1,160,950,000 Combined total value = 515,825,800,000

Strike  14800  has a total call value of 534,961,700,000  versus a total put value of  1,040,200,000 Combined total value = 536,001,900,000

Strike  14825  has a total call value of 556,112,550,000  versus a total put value of  919,800,000 Combined total value = 557,032,350,000

Strike  14850  has a total call value of 577,264,100,000  versus a total put value of  799,400,000 Combined total value = 578,063,500,000

Strike  14875  has a total call value of 598,415,650,000  versus a total put value of  679,000,000 Combined total value = 599,094,650,000

Strike  14900  has a total call value of 619,567,200,000  versus a total put value of  558,600,000 Combined total value = 620,125,800,000

Strike  14925  has a total call value of 640,935,050,000  versus a total put value of  438,200,000 Combined total value = 641,373,250,000

Strike  14950  has a total call value of 662,302,900,000  versus a total put value of  317,800,000 Combined total value = 662,620,700,000

Strike  14975  has a total call value of 683,670,750,000  versus a total put value of  197,400,000 Combined total value = 683,868,150,000

Strike  15000  has a total call value of 705,038,600,000  versus a total put value of  77,000,000 Combined total value = 705,115,600,000

Strike  15025  has a total call value of 728,091,350,000  versus a total put value of  73,150,000 Combined total value = 728,164,500,000

Strike  15050  has a total call value of 751,144,100,000  versus a total put value of  69,300,000 Combined total value = 751,213,400,000

Strike  15075  has a total call value of 774,196,850,000  versus a total put value of  65,450,000 Combined total value = 774,262,300,000

Strike  15100  has a total call value of 797,249,600,000  versus a total put value of  61,600,000 Combined total value = 797,311,200,000

Strike  15125  has a total call value of 820,339,450,000  versus a total put value of  57,750,000 Combined total value = 820,397,200,000

Strike  15150  has a total call value of 843,429,300,000  versus a total put value of  53,900,000 Combined total value = 843,483,200,000

Strike  15175  has a total call value of 866,519,150,000  versus a total put value of  50,050,000 Combined total value = 866,569,200,000

Strike  15200  has a total call value of 889,609,000,000  versus a total put value of  46,200,000 Combined total value = 889,655,200,000

Strike  15225  has a total call value of 912,712,850,000  versus a total put value of  42,350,000 Combined total value = 912,755,200,000

Strike  15250  has a total call value of 935,816,700,000  versus a total put value of  38,500,000 Combined total value = 935,855,200,000

Strike  15275  has a total call value of 958,920,550,000  versus a total put value of  34,650,000 Combined total value = 958,955,200,000

Strike  15300  has a total call value of 982,024,400,000  versus a total put value of  30,800,000 Combined total value = 982,055,200,000

Strike  15325  has a total call value of 1,005,173,400,000  versus a total put value of  26,950,000 Combined total value = 1,005,200,350,000

Strike  15350  has a total call value of 1,028,322,400,000  versus a total put value of  23,100,000 Combined total value = 1,028,345,500,000

Strike  15375  has a total call value of 1,051,471,400,000  versus a total put value of  19,250,000 Combined total value = 1,051,490,650,000

Strike  15400  has a total call value of 1,074,620,400,000  versus a total put value of  15,400,000 Combined total value = 1,074,635,800,000

Strike  15425  has a total call value of 1,097,783,400,000  versus a total put value of  11,550,000 Combined total value = 1,097,794,950,000

Strike  15450  has a total call value of 1,120,946,400,000  versus a total put value of  7,700,000 Combined total value = 1,120,954,100,000

Strike  15475  has a total call value of 1,144,109,400,000  versus a total put value of  3,850,000 Combined total value = 1,144,113,250,000

Strike  15500  has a total call value of 1,167,272,400,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 1,167,272,400,000

Strike  15525  has a total call value of 1,190,754,600,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 1,190,754,600,000

Strike  15550  has a total call value of 1,214,236,800,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 1,214,236,800,000

Strike  15575  has a total call value of 1,237,719,000,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 1,237,719,000,000

Strike  15600  has a total call value of 1,261,201,200,000  versus a total put value of  0 Combined total value = 1,261,201,200,000

Max-Pain Table for Stocks
LTP > Max Pain Bearish
LTP < Max Pain Bullish
Frequently Asked Questions

Max Pain, also known as the max pain price, is the strike price at which the maximum number of option contracts (both puts and calls) would expire worthless, causing the largest financial losses for option holders at expiration. This price point represents the level where option writers would experience the least payout obligation.

The max pain theory suggests that as expiration approaches, market makers and option writers may attempt to influence the stock price toward this level to minimize their payout obligations, making it a significant reference point for traders analyzing option expiration dynamics.

Max Pain is calculated by determining the total dollar value of in-the-money options at each strike price. Here's the step-by-step process:

  1. For each strike price: Calculate the difference between the current stock price and the strike price.
  2. Multiply by Open Interest: Multiply this difference by the open interest (number of contracts) at that strike for both call and put options.
  3. Sum the values: Add together the dollar value for put options and call options at each strike price.
  4. Repeat for all strikes: Perform this calculation for every available strike price in the option chain.
  5. Identify the maximum: The strike price with the highest combined dollar value is the Max Pain price.

This calculation helps identify the price level where option writers would face the maximum financial loss if the stock closes at that price on expiration day.

Traders can incorporate Max Pain analysis into their trading strategy in several ways:

  • Expiration Day Trading: As option expiration approaches, traders can use Max Pain as a potential support or resistance level, as market makers may attempt to push the price toward this level.
  • Option Selection: Understanding Max Pain helps traders choose strike prices that are less likely to be manipulated, potentially improving their option trade outcomes.
  • Risk Management: If a stock is trading far from Max Pain before expiration, traders can anticipate potential price movement toward this level and adjust their positions accordingly.
  • Market Sentiment Indicator: Comparing the current stock price to Max Pain can provide insights into market sentiment and potential price direction near expiration.
  • Hedging Strategy: Option writers can use Max Pain to identify strike prices where they might face the least payout risk, helping them structure more efficient hedging strategies.

Max Pain provides insights into potential stock price behavior, especially near option expiration:

  • Price Magnet Effect: If the stock price is significantly above or below Max Pain before expiration, there may be a tendency for the price to move toward Max Pain as expiration approaches, as option writers hedge their positions.
  • Support/Resistance Level: Max Pain can act as a psychological and technical support or resistance level, especially on expiration day, as it represents the price where maximum option value would be lost.
  • Volatility Indicator: A large gap between current price and Max Pain may indicate higher potential volatility or price movement as expiration nears.
  • Market Maker Activity: Significant open interest concentration around Max Pain suggests where market makers might have the most incentive to influence price movement through their hedging activities.

Note: Max Pain is a theoretical concept and should be used in conjunction with other technical and fundamental analysis tools, as it does not guarantee price movement.

Max Pain is a dynamic value that changes continuously based on several factors:

  • Open Interest Changes: As traders open and close option positions, the open interest at different strike prices changes, which directly affects the Max Pain calculation.
  • Stock Price Movement: As the underlying stock price moves, different strike prices become in-the-money or out-of-the-money, altering the dollar value calculations.
  • Time Decay: As expiration approaches, the time value of options decreases, but the intrinsic value calculations for Max Pain continue to evolve with price movements.
  • New Option Contracts: When new strike prices are added or when significant new positions are opened, Max Pain may shift to reflect the new distribution of open interest.

For accurate Max Pain analysis, traders should monitor it regularly, especially in the days leading up to expiration, as it can shift significantly as market conditions and option positions change.

Max Pain and Spot Price are two distinct concepts that serve different purposes in options trading:

  • Spot Price (Current Market Price): This is the current trading price of the underlying stock or index in the market. It represents the real-time value at which the asset can be bought or sold immediately.
  • Max Pain Price: This is a calculated theoretical price level based on option open interest data. It represents the strike price where option writers would face minimum payout obligations, not necessarily where the stock is currently trading.

The relationship between these two prices is crucial: when the spot price is far from Max Pain, traders may anticipate potential price movement toward Max Pain as expiration approaches. However, this is not guaranteed, and many other factors influence stock price movement.

No, Max Pain is not always accurate and should not be used as the sole indicator for predicting stock price movement. Here's why:

  • Market Forces: Strong fundamental news, earnings reports, or significant market events can override the Max Pain effect and drive prices in unexpected directions.
  • Institutional Activity: Large institutional trades, algorithmic trading, and other market participants may have different objectives than minimizing option payouts.
  • Limited Influence: While market makers may attempt to influence price toward Max Pain, their ability to do so is limited, especially in highly liquid stocks with strong directional momentum.
  • Multiple Expirations: Stocks often have options expiring on different dates (weekly, monthly), which means multiple Max Pain levels may exist simultaneously, reducing the predictive power of any single level.
  • Statistical Tool: Max Pain is best viewed as a statistical tool that provides context about option market dynamics rather than a guaranteed price target.

Traders should use Max Pain as one of many tools in their analysis, combining it with technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment indicators for more comprehensive decision-making.

Max Pain becomes increasingly relevant as option expiration approaches:

  • Last Trading Week: Max Pain analysis is most useful during the final week before expiration, when option writers are actively hedging and the "pinning effect" (price movement toward Max Pain) is most likely to occur.
  • Expiration Day: On the day of expiration, Max Pain can serve as a key reference level, as market makers may attempt to keep the stock price near this level to minimize their payout obligations.
  • High Open Interest: Max Pain is more reliable when there is significant open interest concentrated around specific strike prices, as this indicates where option writers have the most exposure.
  • Low Volatility Periods: During periods of low market volatility, Max Pain may have a stronger influence, as there are fewer competing forces driving price movement.
  • Monthly Expirations: Monthly option expirations (typically the third Friday) often show stronger Max Pain effects compared to weekly expirations, due to higher open interest and more significant market maker involvement.

While Max Pain can be calculated at any time, its predictive value and practical application increase significantly as expiration approaches, making it particularly useful for short-term trading strategies focused on expiration week dynamics.