A Complete Guide to OptionSymbolConvert: Converting Option Tickers Between Brokers

If you've ever tried to move options data between different brokers or data providers, you know the frustration: every platform uses a different option symbol format.

What shows as AAPL241220C00150000 in one system might appear as AAPL 12/20/24 C150 in another. This inconsistency makes it challenging to track positions, compare quotes, or integrate data across platforms.

That's where OptionSymbolConvert() comes in—a powerful MarketXLS function that instantly translates option symbols between 8 major broker and data provider formats.

The Problem: Incompatible Option Symbol Formats

Different brokers and data providers use their own proprietary formats for option symbols:

• QuoteMedia (MarketXLS): AAPL241220C00150000
• Fidelity: AAPL 12/20/24 C150
• Charles Schwab: Different format variations
• Yahoo Finance: Yet another format
• And so on...

This creates headaches when you need to:

• Compare options data from multiple sources
• Import positions from your broker into Excel
• Use streaming functions with broker-specific tickers
• Share analysis with colleagues using different platforms

The Solution: OptionSymbolConvert()

MarketXLS provides a universal conversion function that handles all the complexity for you.

Function Location

Function: OptionSymbolConvert() Module: XLLModule1.vb, line 1438 Status: Available in all MarketXLS versions

Basic Syntax

=OptionSymbolConvert(OptionSymbol, from_format, to_format)

Parameters:

• OptionSymbol - The option ticker you want to convert
• from_format - Source format code (or leave blank for auto-detection)
• to_format - Destination format code

Supported Broker Formats

OptionSymbolConvert supports 8 major formats:

Working with multiple brokers? Check out our guide to the top 10 brokers for option traders to find the best platform for your needs.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Converting MarketXLS to Fidelity

You have option symbols from MarketXLS and need them in Fidelity format:

=OptionSymbolConvert("AAPL241220C00150000", "qm", "fd")

Result: Converts the QuoteMedia format to Fidelity format

Example 2: Auto-Detection

Don't know the source format? Let MarketXLS detect it automatically:

=OptionSymbolConvert("AAPL241220C00150000", "", "fd")

Note: Leave the from_format parameter empty ("") and the function will automatically detect the source format.

Example 3: Converting from Fidelity to Yahoo Finance

=OptionSymbolConvert("AAPL 12/20/24 C150", "fd", "yf")

Example 4: Batch Conversion

Convert an entire column of option symbols:

Setup:

• Column A: Your broker's option symbols
• Column B: Formula for conversion

Cell B2:

=OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm")

Drag the formula down to convert all symbols to MarketXLS format.

Example 5: Converting Multiple Strikes

Convert a list of different strikes for the same underlying:

=OptionSymbolConvert("TSLA241220C00200000", "qm", "fd")
=OptionSymbolConvert("TSLA241220C00210000", "qm", "fd")
=OptionSymbolConvert("TSLA241220C00220000", "qm", "fd")

Using with MarketXLS Streaming Functions

Here's where OptionSymbolConvert becomes really powerful: combining it with real-time streaming functions.

Streaming Last Price from Different Formats

If you have option symbols from Fidelity but want to stream live data using MarketXLS functions:

=QM_Stream_Last(OptionSymbolConvert("AAPL 12/20/24 C150", "fd", "qm"))

What this does:

1. Converts Fidelity format to QuoteMedia format
2. Feeds the converted symbol to QM_Stream_Last()
3. Streams real-time last price data

For more details on streaming live option prices in Excel, check out our comprehensive guide.

Common Streaming Function Combinations

Stream Bid Price

=QM_Stream_Bid(OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm"))

Stream Ask Price

=QM_Stream_Ask(OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm"))

Stream Volume

=QM_Stream_Volume(OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm"))

Stream Open Interest

=QM_Stream_OpenInterest(OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm"))

Building a Multi-Broker Options Dashboard

Scenario: You have positions at multiple brokers and want a unified view.

Cell Setup:

Now you have real-time data from all your positions, regardless of which broker you use! Want to pull complete option chains? See our guide on getting live option chain data in Excel.

Advanced Use Cases

1. Options Chain Analysis Across Platforms

Compare options chains from different data sources:

' Get MarketXLS data
=QM_OptionsChain("AAPL", "2024-12-20", "C")

' Convert to compare with your broker's format
=OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "qm", "fd")

2. Portfolio Import Automation

Create a template that automatically converts imported broker statements:

1. Import your broker's option positions
2. Use OptionSymbolConvert to standardize all symbols
3. Feed standardized symbols into MarketXLS analysis functions

3. Cross-Platform Trade Verification

Verify that your broker executed the right option:

' Cell A1: Symbol from broker confirmation
' Cell B1: Symbol you intended to trade
=IF(OptionSymbolConvert(A1,"fd","qm")=B1, "Match ✓", "MISMATCH ✗")

Tips and Best Practices

1. Use Auto-Detection for Flexibility

When building templates that might receive data from multiple sources:

=OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm")

This makes your spreadsheet more robust and user-friendly.

2. Combine with IFERROR for Clean Output

Handle conversion errors gracefully:

=IFERROR(OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "", "qm"), "Invalid Symbol")

3. Create Named Ranges for Format Codes

For better readability, create named ranges:

• Name: FORMAT_FIDELITY, Value: "fd"
• Name: FORMAT_MARKETXLS, Value: "qm"

Then use:

=OptionSymbolConvert(A2, FORMAT_FIDELITY, FORMAT_MARKETXLS)

4. Build a Conversion Reference Table

Create a quick reference showing the same option in all formats:

Cell A1: AAPL241220C00150000

Common Error Messages and Solutions

"Invalid Symbol Format"

Cause: The source symbol doesn't match any recognized format Solution: Check for typos or manual formatting issues

"#VALUE!"

Cause: Missing or incorrect format code Solution: Verify you're using correct format codes ("qm", "fd", etc.)

"Conversion Not Supported"

Cause: Direct conversion between certain format pairs might not be available Solution: Convert through QuoteMedia format as an intermediate step

Real-World Workflow Example

Scenario: You're a trader using Fidelity with option positions you want to analyze in Excel.

Step 1: Export from Fidelity

Export your positions to Excel (or copy/paste from Fidelity's website)

Step 2: Convert to MarketXLS Format

In column B:

=OptionSymbolConvert(A2, "fd", "qm")

Step 3: Add Real-Time Data

In column C (Last Price):

=QM_Stream_Last(B2)

In column D (Greeks - Delta):

=OptionDelta(B2)

In column E (Implied Volatility):

=OptionIV(B2)

Step 4: Calculate Portfolio Metrics

Now you have a live-updating options portfolio with:

• Current prices
• Greeks (Delta, Gamma, Theta, Vega)
• Implied volatility
• Position P&L

All automatically updating in real-time!

Compatibility Notes

• Excel Versions: Compatible with Excel 2013 and later
• MarketXLS Version: Available in all current MarketXLS versions
• Operating Systems: Windows and Mac (with MarketXLS for Mac)
• Data Refresh: Works with both manual refresh and auto-refresh modes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I convert symbols in bulk? A: Yes! Simply drag the formula down to convert entire columns of symbols.

Q: Does auto-detection work with all formats? A: Auto-detection works with most common formats, but specifying the source format explicitly is more reliable for edge cases.

Q: Will this work with weekly options? A: Yes, the function handles standard monthly options, weekly options, and quarterly options.

Q: Can I convert index options (SPX, NDX)? A: Yes, the function supports all option types including index options.

Q: What if my broker isn't on the supported list? A: Contact MarketXLS support—we're continuously adding new format support based on user requests.

Conclusion

OptionSymbolConvert is an essential tool for any options trader working across multiple platforms. It eliminates the manual work of translating option symbols and enables seamless integration of data from different sources.

Key Takeaways: ✓ Supports 8 major broker and data provider formats ✓ Auto-detection feature for unknown source formats ✓ Integrates perfectly with MarketXLS streaming functions ✓ Enables multi-broker portfolio analysis ✓ Saves hours of manual symbol translation

Whether you're managing positions across multiple brokers, comparing data sources, or building sophisticated options analysis spreadsheets, OptionSymbolConvert streamlines your workflow and ensures data accuracy.

Get Started Today

Ready to simplify your options data workflow?

1. Open Excel and activate MarketXLS
2. Try the examples above with your actual broker symbols
3. Build your custom multi-broker options dashboard

Need help? Our support team is standing by to assist with your specific broker integration needs.

Have questions about OptionSymbolConvert or want to share how you're using it? Leave a comment below or contact our support team!