Strategy

Front Spread (Front Ratio Spread)

By Ryan Silk & Lawrence Polatchek · Reviewed April 2026 · Options Trading Glossary

Ratio spread selling more options near the money

What is Front Spread (Front Ratio Spread)?

Front Spread (Front Ratio Spread) A ratio spread where you sell more near-the-money options than you buy further-from-the-money options, all in the same expiration. The extra short option is typically covered by the long option, creating a position that profits from moderate moves to the short strike. Often entered for a credit with one naked leg.

Complete Definition

A ratio spread where you sell more near-the-money options than you buy further-from-the-money options, all in the same expiration. The extra short option is typically covered by the long option, creating a position that profits from moderate moves to the short strike. Often entered for a credit with one naked leg.

Related Terms

Ratio Spread Ratio Call Spread Ratio Put Spread Back Spread

Written by

ApexVol Research Team

Quantitative options research

All calculations use live ORATS institutional data — the same source used by professional volatility desks.

Technical reviewer

Ryan Silk, ApexVol Founder

Reviewed for technical accuracy

10+ years trading options. Built ApexVol's pricing engine, Greeks model, and IV-rank methodology.

This guide is updated as market conditions and ORATS data change. Last revised 2026-05-12. How we research →

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