Iron Butterfly

neutral4 legs

Also known as: Iron Fly

Sell ATM put & call + buy wings. Max profit at the body strike.

Payoff shape at expiration (illustrative)

Shape illustration on a normalized underlying — open the Lab below to price it on a real option chain.

How it works

Sell an at-the-money straddle and buy protective wings on both sides. Bigger credit than an iron condor, tighter profit zone.

When to use it

When you expect the stock to pin near the current price and implied volatility is elevated — you are selling the most valuable options on the board with protection.

What can go wrong

Defined by the wings, but breakevens hug the current price — this needs stillness. Compare it against the iron condor in the Lab and watch the payoff trade width for credit.

How it compares

vs. Iron Condor

Similar: Same family — defined-risk neutral premium selling.

Different: Butterfly = bigger credit, narrower window; condor = smaller credit, wider window.

vs. Call Butterfly

Similar: Nearly identical payoff shape centered on the body strike.

Different: The iron version opens for a CREDIT using both puts and calls; the call butterfly opens for a debit in one type.

New to options? Start with the free curriculum — or see which strategy fits your outlook.

Educational content — not investment advice. Options involve substantial risk and are not suitable for every investor. All trading on Opus Options Trading is simulated.