Finding Option Chains in Google Finance

Sorry that it's been so long in between postings - I've been playing the part of Shiftman and Bizman more than Refman lately.

Now, if you're like me, finding the option chain information for "Mr. Bigcharts" can be a bit difficult at times.  And even once you find it, it's not always presented in an easy-to-read format, especially when the customer is looking for future option expiration dates.

However, I may have stumbled upon a better, well, option.

While exploring Google Finance the other day, the term "option chain" in the left sidebar caught my eye.  Sure enough, you can now find option chains while in Google.

First, go to Google Finance.  If you can remember the URL, you can type in finance.google.com and go directly there.  Or from the main Google search page, click on the "more" dropdown  menu from the toolbar:

Once the menu drops down, select "finance."

From the Google Finance main page, type in the stock symbol - in this case AAPL for Apple - and press enter or click "get quotes:"

The main stock screen for aapl will then be displayed, featuring current pricing, charts and news items.  From the left sidebar, click "option chain:"

You will then see the option chain for your selected stock.  To my eyes, it's a bit easier to find and to read than in Bigcharts.  Right above the option chain is another dropdown menu for changing the view by expiration date:

Give it a try the next time "Mr. Bigcharts" calls.