Days to Expiration (DTE)
The number of calendar days remaining until an options contract expires, crucial for time decay analysis.
Formula
More Details
What is Days to Expiration (DTE)?
DTE is simply how many days are left until an options contract expires. It's crucial because time decay (Theta) accelerates as DTE decreases.
Learn more: Options Greeks Guide | Greeks Analysis | Options Command Center | Calendar View
DTE and Time Decay
| DTE Range | Decay Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 45+ days | Slow | Lower |
| 21-45 days | Moderate | Medium |
| 7-21 days | Accelerating | Higher |
| 0-7 days | Rapid | Critical |
DTE Color Coding (TradesViz)
The Options Command Center uses smart color coding:
* Red (7 days or less): Critical! Position expires this week. Gamma risk is elevated.
* Yellow (30 days or less): Warning. Theta decay accelerating. Decision time.
* Green (30+ days): Comfortable buffer. Standard management applies.
Managing by DTE
- 30-45 DTE: Popular entry point for premium sellers
- 21 DTE: Many traders close at 50% profit here
- 7 DTE: Most roll or close to avoid gamma risk
- 0 DTE: Day-of expiration trading (high risk/reward)
Expiration Clusters
If all your positions expire the same week, you face:
* Too many decisions at once
* Elevated gamma risk
* Potential cascading losses
Use DTE tracking to spread expirations across multiple weeks.
TradesViz DTE Features
- Avg DTE per strategy in Command Grid
- Color-coded urgency indicators
- Expiration calendar view
- Capital release schedule by expiration date