Check TWS option order presets and quantity

Quick answer

Use Presets → Options for option defaults, and confirm size is expressed in contracts. An option contract count is not a stock share count. Preview the exact expiry and strike along with the defaults.

Educational software guidance. Trading involves risk. Read the financial and information disclaimers.

Step by step

1 Open Global Configuration → Presets → Options.
2 Read Quantity under Size and confirm the unit shown is Contracts.
3 Check the primary order type, limit-price reference, and time in force.
4 Inspect any attached stop or target settings that could add child orders.
5 Open a new paper option ticket and check contract, count, and prices before sending the order.

A practical example

A stock ticket may start with 100 shares, while an option ticket starts with one contract. Those numbers use different units. Check the label next to the size field before you change it. Then check the option’s own full name. A perfect set of defaults on the wrong strike or expiry is still the wrong order.

Illustrative scenario, not a record of a trade placed during this review.

Screen reference

Start in Mosaic with File → Global Configuration. Then choose the panel named in the steps.

TWS option presets with contract quantity and primary order settings — Confirm the quantity units and option-specific defaults. Captured in TWS paper mode on 3 October 2026. Open the image for full size.

How to confirm the result The ticket should show the intended number of option contracts with the correct expiry and side.

Mistake to avoid

Do not copy a stock size default into options and assume it represents the same exposure.

Common questions

Are futures options in the same preset category?

TWS has a separate Future Options category.

Does a preset prove an option can trade outside hours?

No. Product and exchange eligibility still apply.

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Financial and information disclaimers

Financial disclaimer

These guides explain software. They are for education, not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. No example is a suggestion to buy or sell a product or use a trading strategy. Trading can lose money, including all funds you put at risk. With margin, futures, short sales, or some options, losses can exceed your starting funds. Automation can fail, send duplicate orders, or act late. Stops do not guarantee a fill or a price. Review your orders and positions, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your own needs. Paper trades, examples, and past results do not predict live results or promise a profit.

Information disclaimer

This is general help based on the sources and check date shown on the page. Screens, settings, fees, data access, and product support can change or differ by app version, account, country, and broker. The content may contain errors or become out of date; accuracy, completeness, and continuous service are not guaranteed. Check current broker and app instructions before acting. Screenshots show where controls are; they do not prove that an order test passed. This guide does not replace broker terms or risk notices. References to IBKR and TradingView identify their products and do not imply their endorsement of this guide.