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Retrieve the Ask Size for Any Symbol with MarketXLS

The AskSize function is designed to help you quickly look up the latest “ask size” (the quantity of shares available for sale at the best-listed ask price) for a given stock ticker or option symbol right inside Microsoft Excel. By using MarketXLS, you can seamlessly integrate market data into your spreadsheets for in-depth analysis or trading strategies. This function queries a reliable data source, processes the request, and returns either a numeric value, a status, or “NA” if no data is available—streamlining your workflow without needing multiple applications.

Why Use This Function?

  • Easily check the size of offers at the best ask price for U.S. stocks and options.
  • Quickly integrate ask-sized data within customizable Excel charts and dashboards.
  • Gain real-time or near-real-time data with a straightforward Excel formula call.
  • Stay informed of market depth, helping you decide on trade orders and execution.
  • Leverage automatic caching or live refresh for efficient data retrieval.

How to Use in Excel

Simply type the following formula into any cell in Excel (assuming you have the MarketXLS Add-in installed and a valid license):

=AskSize("AAPL")

Replace "AAPL" with any valid stock or option symbol supported by MarketXLS. The result will display the current ask size for that symbol. If the function is still retrieving data or is in a waiting state, it may temporarily return “Refreshing.” If the symbol is invalid, or if an error occurs, you’ll see “NA.”

Parameters Explained

Parameter Description Example Values Notes
Symbol The stock ticker or option symbol for which you need the ask size. "AAPL", "MSFT" - Must be a valid symbol recognized by MarketXLS.
- Returns "NA" for unrecognized or unsupported symbols.

Note: Always ensure you use symbols exactly as recognized by your data provider. Option symbols usually follow a specific format depending on the underlying asset, expiration date, strike price, and call/put designation.

Example Usage

Basic Examples

  1. Using a Single Symbol
    • Formula: =AskSize("MSFT")
    • Explanation: Retrieves the best ask size for Microsoft shares.

  2. Referencing a Cell
    • Suppose cell A2 contains "AAPL".
    • Formula in another cell: =AskSize(A2)
    • Explanation: Dynamically fetches AAPL’s ask size by referencing the cell that contains the symbol.

  3. Handling Invalid Symbols
    • Formula: =AskSize("INVALID123")
    • Possible Output: “NA”
    • Explanation: When the function cannot find valid data, it returns “NA.”

Advanced Scenarios

  1. Automating Watchlists
    • Maintain a list of symbols in one column, and use =AskSize(...) in adjacent cells to track each symbol’s ask size in real-time.
    • Explanation: Useful for building custom watchlists to monitor market depth quickly.

  2. Options Monitoring
    • If the symbol is recognized as an option (e.g., "SPY230120C00350000"), MarketXLS attempts to fetch the ask size for that contract.
    • Explanation: This allows traders to evaluate liquidity and depth for their options-based strategies.

  3. Integration with Other Excel Functions
    • Combine =AskSize with functions like =IFERROR to intercept “NA” or “Refreshing.”
    • Example: =IFERROR(AskSize("AAPL"), "Check Symbol")
    • Explanation: Improves the user experience in a robust Excel model by displaying custom messages if data isn’t available.

  4. Large-Scale Dashboards
    • Use =AskSize(...) in multiple cells combined with charts or pivot tables.
    • Explanation: A powerful approach to visualize changes and patterns in ask sizes across multiple tickers in near real-time.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

  1. “Why do I sometimes see ‘NA’?”
    • Your symbol may be invalid, unsupported, or there’s temporarily no data for that instrument. Ensure you have spelled the symbol correctly and that your subscription supports it.

  2. “What if I get ‘Refreshing’ in my cell?”
    • This indicates the function has made an API request but is waiting for the data refresh. MarketXLS manages a waitlist mechanism to handle multiple requests. Give it a few moments—or manually refresh.

  3. “Why am I getting ‘NA’ even if my symbol is valid?”
    • Possible reasons include:
    – A license problem preventing fresh data retrieval.
    – The data source does not have ask size info at that moment.
    – An unrecognized option format.

  4. “Is the ask size delayed?”
    • Data typically updates in near real-time, but any delays depend on MarketXLS subscription level and data vendor.

  5. “Are there any special formatting requirements?”
    • The function handles numeric values, so there is no specific Excel formatting needed unless you want to highlight or conditionally format certain cells.

Remember:

  • Validate your symbol for accuracy.
  • Ensure your MarketXLS license and data subscription are active.
  • Integrate with other Excel formulas to create dynamic trading dashboards.
  • Real US market scenarios often change quickly—always verify data freshness.

By leveraging the AskSize function in MarketXLS, you gain immediate insights into the market’s ask-side liquidity for both equities and options—empowering you to make faster, data-driven trades directly from Excel.

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MarketXLS Excel Add-in Tutorial - How to Use Ask Size (Refresh on Demand) and Other Financial Formulas
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