A call ratio spread buys one call and sells two higher-strike calls. It is cheap to open (often a credit) and profits from a moderate rise — but the extra short call leaves uncapped risk if the stock runs too far.
Open the Call Ratio Spread calculator →Use it when you are moderately bullish with a price target near the short strikes, and you do not expect a runaway rally. The short calls finance the long call, making it cheap or free to put on.
Because of the naked short call, this is an advanced trade — keep position size small and have an exit plan if the stock breaks above the short strikes.
Profit peaks if the stock finishes at the short strike: the long call is in the money while both short calls expire worthless or near it. Below the long strike, you keep any credit or lose only the small debit.
Above the short strike the extra short call turns the position net short, so losses increase without limit as the stock climbs — the key risk to manage.
Use the free OptionProfit Call Ratio Spread calculator to load a live option chain, build the trade, and instantly see the payoff chart, breakevens, probability of profit, Greeks and a Monte Carlo simulation of outcomes.
Moderately bullish — it profits most from a rise toward the short strike, but it is hurt by a very large rally because of the extra short call.
Above the short strikes the position is net short a call, so the maximum loss is theoretically unlimited as the stock keeps rising. Manage it actively.
Often yes — selling two calls usually brings in more than the single long call costs, so you start with a small credit and no downside risk.
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