What is Options block trade?
What Are Options Block Trades?
Updated 2026-07-21
Quick answer
An options block is a large single print, or same-second aggregate, sized well above typical retail clips.
Also called: block trade, options block.
Visual explainer
A block is a large single (or same-second aggregated) print. Size matters; side and structure still decide interpretation.
Full definition
Blocks matter because size can move markets or mark larger programs. Not every block is directional: dealers and multi-leg desks print size too. Prefer aggregated mode for block-sized flow, then inspect premium, side, and DEX.
How it shows up in TradingFlow
- Option Trades (Aggregated mode)
Roll simultaneous prints into block-friendly rows; Smart Money % KPI tracks aggregated share.
How to read it
- Prefer aggregated mode when scanning for block-sized flow.
- Use Smart Money % KPI as a market-level tilt, then drill symbols.
Who this is for
Traders prioritizing large premium and institutional-sized clips over retail noise.
Common mistakes
- Equating every block with bullish call buying.
- Ignoring mid prints that may be crossing negotiated size.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Smart Money % in TradingFlow?
- It is the share of premium from aggregated (simultaneous block-style) trades on the visible dataset, a market KPI above the Option Trades table, not a vendor blacklist of accounts.
Related terms
- Options sweepA sweep is a large order filled across multiple exchanges in rapid succession, usually to grab available liquidity quickly.
- Smart money flowIn scanners, “smart money” usually means large or institutional-style prints. It is a size heuristic, not account identity.
- Option flowOption flow is the time-and-sales stream of options prints: contract, size, premium, and inferred aggressor side.
More guides
See the workflow in TradingFlow
Open the live Option Trades tape, rank unusual activity, and validate structure in one research path.