# Exercise: Definition and How It Works With Options

![Exercise: Acting on the right to buy or sell the underlying financial instrument specified in an options contract.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/kUneNfDoWCQwmzkRG8q0AMv8pmg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Exercise-final-941be6fb539f4564b93a992c4dcae8e8.png)

*An options holder may exercise their right to buy or sell the contract's underlying shares at a specified price, also called the strike price. — Zoe Hansen / Investopedia*

## What Is Exercise?

Exercise means to put into effect the right to buy or sell the underlying financial instrument specified in an [options contract](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/optionscontract.asp). In options trading, the holder of an option has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the option's [underlying security](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/underlying-security.asp) at a specified price on or before a specified date in the future.

### Key Takeaways

*   In options trading, "to exercise" means to put into effect the right to buy or sell the underlying security that is specified in the options contract.
*   To exercise an option, you simply advise your broker that you wish to exercise the option in your contract.
*   If the holder of a **put** option _exercises_ the contract, they will **sell** the underlying security at a stated price within a specific timeframe.
*   If the holder of a **call** option _exercises_ the contract, they will **buy** the underlying security at a stated price within a specific timeframe.
*   Before exercising an option, it is important to consider what type of option you have and whether you can exercise it.

## Understanding Exercise

If the owner of an option decides to buy or sell the underlying instrument—instead of allowing the contract to [expire](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/expirationdate.asp) worthless or [closing out the position](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/closeposition.asp)—they will be "exercising the option," or making use of the right or privilege that is available in the contract.

An options holder may exercise their right to buy or sell the contract's underlying shares at a specified price—also called the strike price.

*   Exercising a [put option](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/putoption.asp) allows you to **sell** the underlying security at a stated price within a specific timeframe.
*   Exercising a [call option](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/calloption.asp) allows you to **buy** the underlying security at a stated price within a specific timeframe.

To exercise an option, you simply advise your broker that you wish to exercise the option in your contract. Your broker will initiate an [exercise notice](https://www.nasdaq.com/investing/glossary/e/exercise-notice), which informs the seller or [writer](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/writer.asp) of the contract that you are exercising the option. The notice is forwarded to the option seller via the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC). The seller is obligated to fulfill the terms of an options contract if the holder exercises the contract.

> **Important**
>
> The decision to exercise an option isn't always a clear-cut one. There are several factors that need to be considered and, more often than not, it's safer to hold or sell the option instead.

The majority of options contracts are not exercised but, instead, are allowed to expire worthless or are closed by opposing positions. For example, the holder of an option can close out a [long](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/long.asp) call or put prior to expiration by selling it, assuming the contract has market value.

If an option expires unexercised, the holder no longer has any of the rights granted in the contract. In addition, the holder loses the [premium](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/premium.asp) they paid for the option, along with any commissions and fees related to its purchase.

## Things to Consider When Exercising an Option

*   **What kind of option do you have?** This is very important, as contracts have different guidelines. American-style contracts allow you to exercise them before their expiration date. European options may be exercised only after the contract has expired.
*   **Can you exercise your options?** In some cases, such as with [employee stock ownership plans](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/esop.asp) (ESOPs), your shares may be [vested](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/vested-benefit.asp), meaning that you will need to wait a set amount of time before you exercise the option.
*   **Will the cost outweigh the benefits?** Exercising a contract costs you commission money, so make sure that the [exercise price](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/exerciseprice.asp) will make you money; otherwise, you'll end up paying more in fees and will lose out on any potential profit.
*   **Are there taxes involved?** You will want to consider any tax implications associated with the type of contract you are exercising. An employee cashing out an ESOP, for example, will have to pay additional tax.