Back
Options 201: Lesson 2
40% Complete
Core Concept

Meet "The Squad": The Greeks

The Greeks are the mathematical measurements that tell us exactly how much an option's price will change when market factors shift.

Delta (Δ)

Price Sensitivity

Measures price change for every $1 move in stock.

Ex: Stock +$10, Delta 0.30 → Option +$3.00

Theta (Θ)

Time Decay

Value lost each day as expiration nears.

Ex: Theta -0.05 → Option loses $0.05/day

Gamma (Γ)

Rate of Change

How fast Delta accelerates.

Ex: Delta 0.50, Gamma 0.10 → New Delta 0.60

Vega (ν)

Volatility Impact

Price change per 1% change in IV.

Ex: Vega 0.15, IV +1% → Option +$0.15

Rho (ρ)

Interest Rates

Price change per 1% interest rate change. Usually least important for short term.

The Time Decay Curve

Why "30 Days" is often considered the magic number.

What Theta Decay Tells You

Theta decay is not linear. It accelerates as expiration approaches. This creates a "cliff" where option value drops rapidly.

1

90+ Days Out

Slow decay. Safe zone for buyers.

2

30 Days Out

Decay accelerates visibly.

3

< 7 Days The "Cliff"

Value burns at max speed.

Decay Visualization
StartAccelerationExpiry

Option Simulator

Real-time Black-Scholes Model

Educational Model Only
Call Option Premium
$0.00
$100
30
30%
5%
Delta
0.000
Gamma
0.000
Theta
0.000
Vega
0.000
Rho
0.0000