Introduction

Implied Volatility Rank (IVR) is a popular metric among options traders for assessing whether an underlying asset's current implied volatility is high or low relative to its own historical range. Understanding IVR can help traders identify opportunities for premium selling or buying, and manage risk more effectively.

What is Implied Volatility?

Implied volatility (IV) reflects the market's expectation of future price movement for an asset, derived from option prices. Higher IV generally means the market anticipates larger price swings, while lower IV suggests stability.

Implied Volatility Rank (IVR) Explained

IVR compares the current IV to its range over a specified period (typically one year). It is expressed as a percentage, indicating where the current IV sits between its historical high and low.

IVR Formula

The formula for IVR is:

IVR = [(Current IV - IV Low) / (IV High - IV Low)] × 100

Where:

Current IV: The current implied volatility of the asset
IV Low: The lowest implied volatility over the lookback period
IV High: The highest implied volatility over the lookback period

Example Calculation

Suppose a stock has:

Current IV: 35%
IV Low (1 year): 20%
IV High (1 year): 50%

Plugging into the formula:

IVR = [(35 - 20) / (50 - 20)] × 100 = (15 / 30) × 100 = 50%

This means the current IV is halfway between its annual low and high.

Why IVR Matters in Options Trading

Traders use IVR to gauge whether options are relatively expensive or cheap. High IVR (e.g., above 70%) suggests options premiums are rich, favoring selling strategies (like credit spreads or naked puts). Low IVR (e.g., below 30%) indicates cheaper premiums, favoring buying strategies (like long calls or puts).

Limitations of IVR

IVR is relative to the asset's own history, not the broader market.
Sudden market events can skew IV values.
IVR does not predict direction, only volatility.

Practical Applications

Screening for trades: Use IVR to filter stocks for premium selling or buying.
Risk management: Avoid selling options when IVR is very low.
Strategy selection: Match strategies to IVR levels for optimal edge.

Conclusion

Implied Volatility Rank is a powerful tool for options traders, helping to contextualize current volatility and inform strategy selection. By understanding and applying IVR, traders can better navigate the options market and improve their decision-making process.