Retrieve Option Chain Data with QM_GetOptionChain
The QM_GetOptionChain function in MarketXLS enables you to pull a complete option chain for a specified Symbol directly into your Excel worksheet. This includes option Greeks (like Delta and Gamma), current prices, and more. Because the function also retrieves expired contracts by default, you can quickly analyze both current and historical option data for your trading and research needs.
Why Use This Function?
- Quickly view comprehensive option data without leaving Excel.
- Analyze calls and puts, along with option Greeks like Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega, and Rho.
- Includes expired options, enabling backtesting and historical analysis.
- Automatically prints out vital fields such as Last Price, Change, Open Interest, Contract Volume, and more.
- Helps investors, traders, and analysts work with complex options data right alongside other spreadsheet functions.
Common use cases include:
- Building custom options dashboards and screening tools in Excel.
- Analyzing various expiry dates and strike prices for advanced trading strategies.
- Reviewing historical (expired) contracts to study past market conditions.
How to Use in Excel
Use the following syntax in any cell:
=QM_GetOptionChain("SYMBOL")
When you press Enter, the function immediately requests data from the QuoteMedia service and outputs the resulting option chain—starting with column headers on the row below the cell containing the formula, followed by the data in the subsequent rows. Note that existing information in these cells may be overwritten, so it is strongly recommended to use this formula in a blank area of your worksheet or on a new sheet.
Because the data may include many rows (for multiple calls and puts), make sure you have enough space below the formula cell to accommodate the returned results.
Parameters Explained
Parameter | Description | Example Values | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Symbol | The stock or underlying asset’s ticker symbol for which you want options data. | "AAPL", "MSFT" | Must be a valid symbol. Includes both current and expired options by default. |
• Passing different ticker symbols will retrieve option chains for those stocks.
• If the symbol is unrecognized or data is unavailable, you may see “No Data Retrieved.”
Example Usage
Basic Examples
-
=QM_GetOptionChain("AAPL")
- Retrieves all Apple Inc. option contracts, including Greeks, right in Excel.
- Lists both calls and puts, including expired ones.
- Displays columns for strike price, last trade, percent change, open interest, Greeks, and more.
-
=QM_GetOptionChain("MSFT")
- Same as above, but for Microsoft.
- Great for quickly comparing option markets for different underlying symbols side by side.
Note that extensive rows of data will appear. It is best to place the formula away from cells containing crucial data or on its own dedicated worksheet.
Advanced Scenarios
• Historical Analysis: Because "inclExpired" is true by default, you can review how Microsoft’s or Apple’s options were priced in previous months. This helps with backtesting a trading strategy that relies on historical call or put patterns.
• Multi-Symbol Comparison: By pasting =QM_GetOptionChain() formulas for different symbols in adjacent columns, you can quickly compare large amounts of option data for multiple underlyings.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
• What if I only see “No Data Retrieved”?
- Ensure the ticker is valid (e.g., AAPL, MSFT). Some symbols lack listed options or are delisted.
• How do I avoid overwriting existing cells? - Always place the formula in a blank area or a new worksheet. The function prints column headers and rows below the formula cell.
• Why do I see columns like “delta,” “gamma,” “theta,” etc.? - The function automatically fetches Greeks. This can be helpful for advanced options pricing analysis.
• Can the function handle a large volume of strikes and expirations? - Yes. But be prepared for a substantial table if the symbol has many listed options.
By leveraging QM_GetOptionChain in MarketXLS, you gain an in-depth look at the entire option landscape for your chosen symbol—right inside Excel. From quick day-to-day checks to elaborate strategy backtesting, this one function serves a wide variety of trading or research needs.