Questions
Asked often,
answered once.
Twenty-four questions about the platform, the plans, the data and the tools, grouped so you can skip to yours. If it is not here, ask us.
Platform & Features 4 questions
What is ApexVol and what does it do?
ApexVol is a professional options analytics platform that provides real-time options data, Greeks calculations, volatility analysis, and strategy simulation tools. It helps options traders make informed decisions by visualizing complex options data in an intuitive, actionable format.
Key features include:
- Real-time option chains with Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega)
- Volatility Lab for smile, surface, and term structure analysis
- Greeks Heatmap for visual risk analysis
- Strategy Simulator for multi-leg position modeling
- Market Overview Scanner for finding opportunities across 5,500+ tickers
How is ApexVol different from other options platforms?
ApexVol focuses exclusively on options analytics and education, providing professional-grade tools at an affordable price:
- Purpose-built for options: Unlike brokerage platforms, we focus 100% on options analysis
- Real-time Greeks: Calculate Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega in real-time for all strikes
- Volatility tools: Dedicated tools for smile, surface, and term structure analysis
- Educational focus: Comprehensive guides and tutorials for all skill levels
- Clean interface: No clutter, just the data and tools you need
Can I execute trades through ApexVol?
No, ApexVol is an analytics and educational platform, not a broker. We provide the tools and data to analyze options, but you'll need to execute trades through your broker (TD Ameritrade, Interactive Brokers, Schwab, etc.).
This separation is actually beneficial because it allows us to focus entirely on providing the best analytics tools without the conflicts of interest that brokers may have.
What data sources does ApexVol use?
We use professional-grade market data from an institutional options data provider. Our data includes:
- Real-time and delayed options quotes
- Historical options data for backtesting
- Pre-computed Greeks and volatility analytics
- Earnings calendars and corporate events
Pricing & Subscription 4 questions
How much does ApexVol cost?
We offer multiple subscription tiers — Free, Basic, Premium, and Pro — each with different levels of access to our analytics tools and data. All paid plans include a 7-day free trial so you can test the features before committing.
Can I try ApexVol before subscribing?
Yes! The best way to try ApexVol is the 7-day free trial — your plan's full toolset across all 5,500+ tickers. A card is required to start, but you won't be charged during the trial and you can cancel anytime in one click.
Prefer to look around first? A free account opens every tool on the AAPL ticker, plus the earnings and economic calendars across all tickers.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel anytime from your Account page. Simply:
- Log in to your account
- Go to Settings → My Account
- Click "Cancel Subscription"
Your access continues until the end of your billing period. No refunds for partial months, but you keep access until the paid period ends.
Do you offer discounts for students or educators?
We may offer educational discounts for verified students and educators on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at [email protected] to inquire about eligibility and availability.
Data & Accuracy 3 questions
Is the options data real-time?
Yes, Pro subscribers get real-time options data. Free accounts see the same real-time data on AAPL.
Data updates continuously during market hours and reflects live bid/ask prices, volume, and open interest. During periods of high volatility, system maintenance, or data provider disruptions, delays may occur. See our Legal Disclaimer for full details.
How are the Greeks calculated?
We calculate Greeks in-house using the Black-Scholes model for European-style options and binomial trees for American options. Inputs include:
- Current stock price
- Strike price
- Time to expiration
- Implied volatility (backed out from market prices)
- Risk-free interest rate (based on Treasury yields)
Greeks update in real-time as underlying prices and IV change.
Why do your Greeks differ from my broker?
Minor differences in Greeks between platforms are normal and can result from:
- Different pricing models (Black-Scholes vs proprietary models)
- Timing of data feed updates
- Different interest rate assumptions
- Rounding differences
These differences are typically minor (1-5%) and don't materially affect trading decisions. For exact execution Greeks, always defer to your broker's values.
Trading & Strategies 3 questions
I'm new to options trading. Can I use ApexVol?
Absolutely! ApexVol is designed for traders at all levels. We provide:
- Beginner Guides: Learn options basics, Greeks, and strategies
- Video Tutorials: Step-by-step walkthroughs of platform features
- Glossary: Definitions of all options terms
- Interactive Tools: Practice with the Strategy Simulator before risking capital
Start with a free account (every tool on AAPL) and explore our educational resources in the Resources section.
What are the best strategies for beginners?
For beginners, start with defined-risk strategies:
- Credit Spreads: Limited-risk spreads (bull put spreads, bear call spreads)
- Debit Spreads: Directional trades at lower cost (bull call spreads, bear put spreads)
- Covered Calls: Generate income on stocks you own
- Cash-Secured Puts: Buy stocks at a discount while collecting premium
Avoid naked options, straddles, and iron condors until you understand Greeks and risk management.
Does ApexVol provide trade recommendations?
No, ApexVol does not provide specific trade recommendations or financial advice. We provide:
- Data and analytics tools for your own analysis
- Educational content on strategies and risk management
- Screeners to help you find opportunities
All trading decisions are yours to make. We're a data and education platform, not an advisory service.
Simulator 7 questions
What is the Simulator and how does it work?
The Simulator lets you test "what-if" scenarios for options without risking real money. You can:
- Change stock price: See how option prices and Greeks respond to price movements (±2%, ±5%, ±10%, or custom)
- Simulate time decay: Move the slider to see how options lose value as expiration approaches
- View impact summary: Track changes to ATM call/put prices in real-time
All calculations use the Black-Scholes model with real-time implied volatility data.
What does "IVx" mean in the Simulator?
IVx (Extrinsic IV %) represents the extrinsic value of an option as a percentage of the stock price. It's calculated as:
IVx = (Extrinsic Value / Stock Price) × 100
For example, if a stock is at $100 and an option has $3 in extrinsic value, IVx = 3%.
Why it's useful:
- Compare premiums across different stock prices
- Quickly identify expensive vs cheap options
- Normalize option costs for easier comparison
How accurate is the Simulator's pricing?
The Simulator uses the Black-Scholes model with current market data:
- Real implied volatility: IV is taken from actual option prices
- Standard assumptions: Risk-free interest rate based on current Treasury yields
- Instant recalculation: All Greeks update in real-time
Limitations:
- Assumes IV stays constant (reality: IV changes with price and time)
- Black-Scholes model works best for European-style options
- Does not account for dividend adjustments or early exercise
Why do option prices change differently for calls vs puts?
Calls and puts respond oppositely to price movements because of their delta:
- Calls have positive delta: They gain value when stock rises
- Puts have negative delta: They gain value when stock falls
Example: If stock moves from $100 to $110 (+10%)
- ATM call might go from $3.50 → $11.50 (huge gain, now ITM)
- ATM put might go from $3.50 → $0.80 (major loss, now OTM)
Use the Simulator's quick change buttons to see this effect instantly!
What is time decay and how can I see it in the Simulator?
Time decay (theta) is the erosion of option value as expiration approaches. All options lose value over time if the stock price doesn't move.
In the Simulator:
- Load any ticker and expiration
- Use the "Time Decay Simulation" slider
- Move it right to simulate time passing
- Watch option prices decrease even if stock price stays the same
Key insights:
- ATM options have the highest theta (lose value fastest)
- Deep ITM/OTM options have lower theta
- Theta accelerates as expiration approaches (last week is brutal)
- Sellers profit from theta, buyers lose to it
Can I simulate multiple scenarios at once?
Currently, the Simulator shows one scenario at a time. However, you can:
- Quickly switch between scenarios using the quick change buttons
- Adjust both price AND time simultaneously
- Use the Reset button to return to original values
Workflow tip: Open multiple browser tabs to compare different expirations side-by-side!
📋 Coming soon: Side-by-side scenario comparison and saved simulation presets.
How do I interpret the Impact Summary panel?
The Impact Summary shows how your simulation affects at-the-money (ATM) options:
- Price Change: Your simulated stock move in $ and %
- Time Passed: How many days you've simulated
- ATM Call Impact: Change in ATM call price (green = gained, red = lost)
- ATM Put Impact: Change in ATM put price (green = gained, red = lost)
Example interpretation:
Price Change: +$5.00 (+5%)
Time Passed: 7 days
ATM Call Impact: +$2.45
ATM Put Impact: -$1.80
This means: Stock up 5%, call gained $2.45, put lost $1.80, both affected by 7 days of theta decay.
Technical Support 3 questions
How do I contact support?
For support inquiries:
- Email: [email protected]
- Response Time: Within 24 hours (usually faster)
For billing questions, contact [email protected]
What browsers are supported?
ApexVol works best on modern browsers:
- Chrome (recommended)
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
We recommend keeping your browser updated to the latest version for the best experience.
Is there a mobile app?
ApexVol is currently a web-based platform optimized for desktop use. While you can access it on mobile browsers, the full experience is best on a laptop or desktop with a larger screen.
A dedicated mobile app is on our roadmap for future development.
Still have a question? Email [email protected] and a person answers, usually inside a day.
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