What is Ainvest Options Pilot?

Ainvest Options Pilot is a free options screener and scoring platform that analyzes 5,900+ stocks daily using a 5-pillar scoring system. It evaluates Value (IV rank), Sentiment (put/call ratios), Activity (volume), Liquidity (spreads), and Timing (catalysts) to help retail traders find options opportunities with institutional-grade data.

How does the 5-pillar options scoring system work?

The 5-pillar scoring system analyzes 650+ data points per ticker across five dimensions: Value measures if IV is cheap or expensive using IV rank and percentile; Sentiment analyzes put/call ratios and open interest skew; Activity detects unusual volume and block trades; Liquidity evaluates bid-ask spreads and open interest depth; Timing considers earnings proximity and time decay. Each pillar scores 0-100, combining into an overall Options Opportunity Score.

Is Ainvest Options Pilot free?

Yes, Ainvest Options Pilot is free during the beta period. You can screen 5,900+ stocks, view 5-pillar scores, and access strategy recommendations at no cost.

What options strategies does Options Pilot support?

Options Pilot supports multiple strategies including the wheel strategy (cash-secured puts and covered calls), long calls and puts, bull/bear spreads, iron condors, iron butterflies, straddles, strangles, calendar spreads, LEAPS, and PMCC (poor man's covered call). The system recommends strategies based on each stock's current scoring profile.

What is IV rank and why is it important for options trading?

IV rank (Implied Volatility Rank) measures where current implied volatility stands relative to its 52-week range, expressed as a percentage from 0-100. An IV rank of 80 means current IV is in the top 20% of its yearly range. High IV rank often signals overpriced options (good for selling premium), while low IV rank suggests underpriced options (good for buying). Options Pilot uses IV rank as a core component of the Value pillar.

How often is the options data updated?

Options Pilot data is updated daily using end-of-day market data. Scores are calculated pre-market each trading day, so you see fresh analysis before the market opens. This includes updated IV rank, open interest changes, volume analysis, and adjusted strategy recommendations for 5,900+ optionable stocks.

What is gamma exposure (GEX) and how does Options Pilot use it?

Gamma exposure (GEX) measures how market makers' hedging activity affects stock prices. Options Pilot identifies gamma levels including put walls (support) and call walls (resistance) where dealer hedging creates price floors or ceilings. Positive GEX environments tend to suppress volatility, while negative GEX amplifies moves. This analysis is part of the Activity pillar scoring.

Can I use Options Pilot for the wheel strategy?

Yes, Options Pilot is excellent for wheel strategy traders. The screener identifies stocks with favorable conditions for cash-secured puts and covered calls: high IV rank (better premiums), strong liquidity (tight spreads), supportive gamma levels (put walls as natural support), and good sentiment signals. Filter for wheel-friendly setups using the strategy presets.

How does Options Pilot differ from other options screeners?

Unlike basic screeners that only show prices and Greeks, Options Pilot provides a holistic 5-pillar scoring system that evaluates opportunity quality across Value, Sentiment, Activity, Liquidity, and Timing. It analyzes 650+ data points per ticker, identifies gamma support/resistance levels, detects unusual activity, and recommends specific strategies based on current market conditions.

What stocks does Options Pilot cover?

Options Pilot covers 5,900+ optionable stocks including all S&P 500 components, popular ETFs like SPY, QQQ, and IWM, and high-liquidity individual stocks. Coverage includes mega-caps, large-caps, mid-caps, and selected small-caps that have sufficient options liquidity for meaningful analysis.

general

Days to Expiration (DTE)

Options Pilot Education·Educational Content

Number of days until an option expires. Affects time value, theta decay rate, and strategy selection.

See Days to Expiration (DTE) analysis for 500+ stocksTry Options Pilot

Days to Expiration (DTE) is one of the most important factors in options pricing and strategy selection. It directly affects time value, theta decay rate, and your potential risk/reward.

DTE and Time Value

Options are "wasting assets" - their extrinsic (time) value decays over time. The relationship isn't linear:

45+ DTE: Slow decay, minimal daily theta impact
21-45 DTE: Moderate decay, "sweet spot" for many strategies
Under 21 DTE: Accelerating decay, theta becomes significant
Under 7 DTE: Rapid decay, options lose value quickly each day

DTE Categories

0-DTE (Zero Days to Expiration)

Same-day expiration options. Extreme gamma, extreme theta. Popular for day traders seeking maximum leverage.

Short-term (1-14 DTE)

Weekly options. High theta decay, good for premium sellers targeting quick profits. Risky for buyers.

Standard (15-45 DTE)

Monthly options. Balanced decay profile. Most common for defined-risk strategies like iron condors.

Long-term (45+ DTE)

Lower theta decay, higher vega exposure. Better for directional plays and stock replacement.

LEAPS (180+ DTE)

Minimal daily decay, significant vega. Used for long-term directional bets and poor man's covered calls.

Choosing the Right DTE

Your DTE choice should match your thesis:

Quick catalyst: Short DTE for maximum exposure
Gradual move: Longer DTE to reduce theta drag
Premium collection: 30-45 DTE balances decay rate and risk

See it in Action

Days to Expiration (DTE) is part of the Timing pillar in our 5-pillar scoring system.

Screen stocks by Days to Expiration (DTE)Learn about our scoring system

See Days to Expiration (DTE) Analysis Live

Our scoring system evaluates days to expiration (dte) across hundreds of stocks daily. Join the waitlist to see which options have the best opportunity right now.

Join 2,500+ traders on the waitlist · Free during early access · No credit card required