Intrinsic value / Time value

An option's price splits in two: what exercising now would yield (intrinsic), plus everything paid for the remaining possibilities (time value). Time value melts to zero at expiry — see theta.

Where Intrinsic value / Time value is explained in depth

The definition above is the short version. These pages put it to work, in the order they use it most:

Terms this definition uses

The whole glossary

Information and education only. Every page, figure and calculator on this site exists to explain how financial instruments work. Nothing here is investment, tax or legal advice, a recommendation, or a valuation you can rely on. Full disclaimer