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])
  1. Enter this formula in a cell.
  2. Provide mandatory parameters: TradeType, Symbol, Quantity, OrderSide, and OrderType.
  3. (Optional) Provide Duration, SymbolOption (if trading options), Price, and TriggerPrice depending on your trade requirements.
  4. The function either returns a link (titled "TradierLink") or an informational message (e.g., "Please check your inputs") right in your worksheet.
  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. “Please check your inputs” Error
    • Often indicates a missing required parameter. Double-check TradeType, Qty, OrderSide, and OrderType (and SymbolOption for options).

  2. What if I see “Order type is invalid?”
    • The function only accepts "market", "limit", "stop", or "stoplimit." Ensure you typed these correctly.

  3. 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.

  4. Market Orders with Price or TriggerPrice
    • For "market" orders, these values can remain 0. A non-zero entry is ignored in the final link.

  5. “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.

  6. 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.