Options payoff calculator
This simplified calculator explains long-option payoff shape. It does not model implied volatility, exercise style, assignment, fees, spreads, funding, or venue-specific settlement.
How this works
The payoff calculator models simple long call and long put positions. It is designed to teach premium, strike, breakeven, intrinsic value, and max loss before a trader thinks about strategy.
Long call breakeven
Strike price plus premium.
Long put breakeven
Strike price minus premium, floored at zero.
Max loss
Premium multiplied by contracts and contract multiplier for long options.
Assumptions
- The calculator models long options only.
- Contract multiplier is user supplied because venues can define contract sizes differently.
- The current PnL estimate uses intrinsic value at the entered underlying price.
Do not ignore
- It does not model implied volatility, time decay, exercise style, assignment, fees, spreads, or venue settlement.
- Bounded max loss for a buyer does not mean the trade is low risk.
- Options can lose money even if the trader is directionally right but paid too much premium.
FAQ
Why is max profit unlimited for a long call?
A long call's payoff can keep increasing as the underlying price rises. In practice, liquidity, expiry, spreads, and settlement still matter.
Why is long put max profit capped?
The underlying price cannot fall below zero, so the maximum intrinsic value of a put is limited by the strike.
Does this calculate Greeks?
No. This calculator explains payoff shape. Greeks require volatility, time, rate, and pricing-model assumptions.
Sources
- Cboe Options Institute: Options basicsAccessed 2026-05-30Supports: Calls, puts, option basics, and education framing for options payoff pages.