Concept guide
Options Open Interest
Open interest is the number of option contracts that are currently open and not yet closed or expired.
Open interest versus volume
Volume counts contracts traded today; open interest counts contracts still outstanding. A trade can raise, lower or leave open interest unchanged depending on whether it opens or closes positions.
Why traders watch it
Higher open interest generally means tighter spreads and easier exits. Very low open interest is a warning that a contract may be hard to trade at a fair price.
FAQ
- Is high open interest bullish?
- Not by itself. Open interest measures participation and liquidity, not direction.
- Does open interest predict price?
- No. It describes positioning and liquidity, not a forecast.
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