MarketXLS

Open Interest (On Demand)

Returns the open interest (number of outstanding contracts) for an option contract using QuoteMedia's on-demand data service.

What is Open Interest?

Open interest represents the total number of outstanding option contracts that have not been settled. It indicates market activity and liquidity for a particular option.

Supported Symbol Formats

Type Format Example
Option (OCC) SYMBOL+YYMMDD+C/P+STRIKE AAPL240315C00170000

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
Symbol String Yes OCC-format option symbol

Notes

  • High open interest indicates more liquidity
  • Open interest updates after market close
  • Changes in OI can signal market sentiment

Syntax

=QM_OpenInterest(Symbol)
Excel Desktop (Windows)

Parameters

symbolstringRequired

Option contract symbol (OCC format)

Returns

number

Open interest (number of outstanding contracts)

Examples

=QM_OpenInterest("AAPL240315C00170000")
OI for Apple call option
=QM_OpenInterest("MSFT240419P00400000")
OI for Microsoft put option
=QM_OpenInterest(A1)
Symbol from cell reference

When to Use

  • Assess option liquidity before trading
  • Analyze market interest in specific strikes
  • Track changes in market positioning
  • Building options flow analysis

When NOT to Use

Scenario Use Instead
Need real-time streaming OI QM_Stream_OpenInterest()
Need full option chain QM_GetOptionChain()
Need option volume instead QM_Volume()

Common Issues & FAQ

Why is open interest zero or very low?

This may indicate:

  • Recently listed option series
  • Very illiquid strike/expiration
  • Far out-of-the-money option

When does open interest update?

Open interest is calculated and updated after market close each day.

Excel Templates Using Open Interest (On Demand)

These ready-made MarketXLS templates call QM_OpenInterest() in their worksheet formulas. Open one to see the function working inside a complete model.

Related Formulas

More MarketXLS Price Quotes formulas you can use in the same worksheet:

See QM_OpenInterest used in a complete workbook: Option Trading Calculator: Build a Complete Trade Planner in Excel (2026)

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MarketXLS Excel Add-in Tutorial - How to Use Open Interest (On Demand) and Other Financial Formulas
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