TradeSingleLegTradier: Automate Equity & Options Orders in Excel
The TradeSingleLegTradier function helps you streamline the order entry process within Excel for both equity and single-leg options trades through Tradier. Instead of manually logging into a trading platform, you can generate a direct Tradier link or get an immediate output message regarding your order, helping you make timely decisions right from Excel.
Why Use This Function?
- Integrates Excel-based analysis with direct trade execution links.
- Simplifies both equity and single-leg options workflows.
- Minimizes input errors by validating data fields (e.g., quantity, order type, side).
- Dynamically handles Market, Limit, Stop, and Stop Limit orders.
- Eliminates repetitive broker navigation for each trade, saving time.
- Enables clarity by returning either a Tradier link or an informative message.
Use the function whenever you need to:
- Quickly generate a Tradier order link for a single-leg position.
- Validate your trade details (price, side, quantity, etc.) without leaving Excel.
- Trade US equities or options with confidence and speed.
How to Use in Excel
=TradeSingleLegTradier(TradeType, Symbol, Quantity, OrderSide, OrderType, [Duration], [SymbolOption], [Price], [TriggerPrice])
- Enter this formula in a cell.
- Provide mandatory parameters: TradeType, Symbol, Quantity, OrderSide, and OrderType.
- (Optional) Provide Duration, SymbolOption (if trading options), Price, and TriggerPrice depending on your trade requirements.
- The function either returns a link (titled "TradierLink") or an informational message (e.g., "Please check your inputs") right in your worksheet.
- If a URL is returned, simply click it or follow the hyperlink instructions to complete the trade on Tradier’s platform.
Parameters Explained
Parameter | Description | Example Values | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
TradeType | Specifies the type of trade you want to place. | "equity", "options" | Must be either "equity" or "options". Invalid entries return an error message. |
Symbol | The underlying symbol for the trade. | "AAPL", "TSLA" | For options, this is the root symbol (e.g., "AAPL"). For equities, pass the ticker directly. |
Quantity | The number of shares or contracts you wish to trade. | 100, 50 | Must be an integer. If invalid, you’ll see "Quantity has an invalid format" returned. |
OrderSide | Describes whether you are buying or selling. Depending on TradeType, valid sides differ. | (Equity) "buy", "sell", "sellshort", "buytocover" (Options) "buytoopen", "selltoopen", "buytoclose", "selltoclose" |
Passing an unrecognized side shows an error (e.g., "Order side is invalid"). For example, "sellshort" ? "sell_short" in the generated Tradier link. |
OrderType | Indicates how you want your order executed. | "market", "limit", "stop", "stoplimit" | Unrecognized types return "Order type is invalid." For a limit order, you must specify Price, and for stop/stop_limit orders, TriggerPrice or both Price & TriggerPrice. |
Duration | (Optional) Time-in-force for the order. Defaults to "day" unless specified. | "day", "gtc", "pre", "post" | Passing an invalid duration returns "Duration has an invalid format. Please check your inputs." |
SymbolOption | (Optional) The full option contract symbol string if TradeType is "options". | "AAPL230120C00150000" (example only) | Must be a valid option symbol format (length checks apply). If missing or misformatted for "options", the function returns an error. |
Price | (Optional) The price for limit or stop-limit orders. | 150.00, 120.50 | If OrderType is "limit" or "stop_limit", you must include a valid numeric Price (non-zero for limit). |
TriggerPrice | (Optional) The stop/trigger price if placing a stop or stop-limit order. | 145.00 | Required if OrderType is "stop" or "stop_limit". Must be non-zero, and for buy orders, Price ? TriggerPrice (and vice versa for sell). |
Example Usage
Basic Examples
-
Market Order for Equities
=TradeSingleLegTradier("equity", "AAPL", 10, "buy", "market")
• Assigns a “buy market” order for 10 shares of AAPL.
• If successful, returns a "TradierLink" hyperlink in the cell.
• Clicking it opens the corresponding order on Tradier. -
Limit Order for Equities
=TradeSingleLegTradier("equity", "MSFT", 20, "sell", "limit", "day", , 300)
• Attempts to sell 20 shares of MSFT at a limit price of $300, valid for the day.
• If Price is omitted or 0, you’ll see an error about the limit price. -
Option Market Order
=TradeSingleLegTradier("options", "AAPL", 5, "buytoopen", "market", "day", "AAPL230120C00150000")
• Buys to open 5 contracts of AAPL’s specified call option.
• SymbolOption must be valid, else an error displays.
Advanced Scenarios
-
Option Limit Order with Trigger
=TradeSingleLegTradier("options", "TSLA", 2, "buytoclose", "stoplimit", "day", "TSLA230317P00140000", 50, 45)
• Closes 2 contracts of TSLA, triggered once the price hits 45 or above, executing at a limit of 50 if the trigger is hit.
• For buy orders, Price ? TriggerPrice. If Price < TriggerPrice, the function returns an error. -
Good-Till-Canceled (GTC) Equity Trade
=TradeSingleLegTradier("equity", "AMZN", 5, "sellshort", "limit", "gtc", , 105)
• Sells short 5 shares of AMZN at a limit of $105.
• Remains active until canceled or executed. -
Pre-market or Post-market Example
=TradeSingleLegTradier("equity", "GOOG", 10, "buy", "limit", "pre", , 95)
• Places a limit buy order at $95 for pre-market hours.
• Using "post" similarly places during post-market hours, if allowed.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
-
“Please check your inputs” Error
• Often indicates a missing required parameter. Double-check TradeType, Qty, OrderSide, and OrderType (and SymbolOption for options). -
What if I see “Order type is invalid?”
• The function only accepts "market", "limit", "stop", or "stoplimit." Ensure you typed these correctly. -
Why does the function return “TradierLink” instead of a direct URL?
• To keep the cell tidy, MarketXLS replaces the actual hyperlink with “TradierLink.” Clicking the cell takes you to Tradier’s order screen. -
Market Orders with Price or TriggerPrice
• For "market" orders, these values can remain 0. A non-zero entry is ignored in the final link. -
“Symbol option has an invalid format”
• The function checks for correct option symbol structure. Make sure the length and format align with standard option codes. -
Handling Edge Cases
• Zero or negative Quantity leads to “Please check your inputs.”
• Mismatch in side vs. trade type (e.g., “buytoopen” on an equity trade) returns “Order side is invalid.”
• A missing or wrong Duration reverts to “day” or prompts an error if unrecognized.
Remember:
- This function helps generate direct order links or messages, but confirm final trades within the Tradier platform.
- Combining your analysis in Excel (e.g., real-time quotes, custom formulas) with quick link generation can significantly improve your workflow.
- Experiment with small quantity trades to ensure everything functions as expected in your setup.
- Market conditions, broker requirements, and general best practices still apply—always double-check your order details.