Ratio Configurations

In OptionsApp, you can define a so-called Ratio in the Trade Template for each Leg of an option structure. This specifies the proportion in which the individual Legs are traded relative to each other. The configuration is done within the group structure, where Legs can be assigned as dependent or independent to the so-called Main Leg.

1. What is the Ratio?

The Ratio describes the relationship of the quantities of the different Legs within an option combination. It's important to choose the smallest common ratio.

An example:

If two contracts of one Leg and two of another are to be traded, the ratio should be 1 to 1, not 2 to 2. The actual trade size can then be controlled in the strategy via the Quantity field. So instead of configuring a ratio of 10 to 10, it's recommended to specify a ratio of 1 to 1 and set the Quantity to 10.

Invalid examples:

• 2 to 2
• 4 to 2 to 2

Valid examples:

• 1 to 1
• 2 to 1

2. Define Ratio in the Trade Template

In the respective Trade Template, the Ratio is entered directly per Leg. The Main Leg serves as the reference for strike selection (e.g., via Delta, Premium, etc.). All other Legs can be defined either as dependent (using an offset in points to the Main Leg) or independent (with their own search logic). How this works in detail is described in the article Dependent and Independent Legs in the Trade Template.

3. Example application of a Ratio

A structured example with asymmetric ratio:

• Main Leg (Short): Strike search via Delta 20, Ratio: 2
• Dependent Leg (Long): Offset -50 points, Ratio: 1

This results in a structure with two short contracts and one corresponding Long contract at a distance of 50 points. Such constructions can be used to respond to specific price movements or volatility.

4. Example of a symmetric structure

• Main Leg (Short): ATM Strike, Ratio: 2
• Dependent Leg (Long, lower strike): Offset -30 points, Ratio: 1
• Dependent Leg (Long, higher strike): Offset +30 points, Ratio: 1

This configuration corresponds to a neutral structure with symmetric risk distribution and equal distance above and below the Main Leg.

5. Error messages for invalid Ratio

If an invalid ratio like 2 to 2 or 10 to 10 is specified, this results in an error. The error message typically reads:

ERROR 321: Invalid component ratio



OptionsApp automatically detects this error, displays a warning message, and additionally notifies you via Telegram if configured.

6. Practical recommendations

• The Ratio in the Trade Template should always be specified as the smallest possible ratio.
• The desired trade size can be set in the strategy via the Quantity field.
• A clear separation of Leg logic (dependent/independent) helps avoid execution errors.