Option Chain
A single table of every call and put across strikes — the trader's primary dashboard.
Definition
An option chain is a structured table that lists all available call and put option contracts for an underlying — such as NIFTY, Bank Nifty or a stock — across every strike price for a chosen expiry. By convention, calls are shown on the left, puts on the right, with strikes running down the centre. Each cell typically displays last traded price (LTP), open interest, change in OI, traded volume and implied volatility.
Why it matters
The option chain is where price, positioning and sentiment all meet. Traders scan it to spot where OI is building, which strikes are liquid, and how IV is skewed between calls and puts. Patterns in OI concentration help identify likely support and resistance, and feed metrics like PCR and max pain.
Example
Suppose NIFTY trades near 24,000. The chain shows the 24,000 strike with heavy OI on both calls and puts, the 24,200 call rich with fresh call writing, and the 23,800 put accumulating OI. A reader infers 23,800-24,200 as the near-term range the market is positioning around.
See it live
Open TradePulse's live NIFTY option chain to watch OI, IV and price update strike by strike.