How to Import Options Data to Excel and Google Sheets (Including Templates)

Many traders rely on spreadsheets to track and analyze their trades. It’s a powerful way to improve workflows and gain insights. But manually importing data into Excel or Google Sheets can be time-consuming and frustrating - especially with options, where each stock has dozens of contracts that constantly change and expire.

In this post, we’ll show you how to automatically import options data into Excel and Google Sheets so you can build formulas, run analysis, and streamline your trading process.

This article will cover:

• Importing options data to Google Sheets and Excel
• Why & What you can do with it
• 'Floating' options integration.
• How to use this template - Excel
• How to use this template - Google Sheets

Why use Excel/Sheets, and what can you do with it?

Automatically importing options data into Excel and Google Sheets is a smart way to save time and keep your spreadsheets up to date. It’s especially helpful when you’re trading multiple symbols using different strategies, and it helps maintain your unique edge in the market.

Excel gives you plenty of flexibility: even if there isn’t an existing tool for what you need, you can often build it yourself. With Option Samurai’s automation, you can streamline your workflow and focus on making better trading decisions.

Importing options data to Google Sheets and Excel

You can use the Option Samurai plugin to import options data directly to Google Sheets. We support Excel Desktop, Excel Web (Office 365), and Google Sheets. You can download the plugin from the Google Sheets store, and we have detailed instructions on installing it here.

The plugin concept is straightforward: We have two main commands: One to import Option data and the other to import stock data. After calling the function, specify what data to import and what instrument. Both can be explicit (i.e., "AAPL" or "name") or can refer to another cell (i.e., B2). This allows you to build tools that you can use for different stocks by simply changing the ticker (see below for some examples).

See here the detailed article about the Excel and Google Sheet integration and go to Option Samurai Settings to get your API key (you need to have an account and be logged in - we have a free trial)

What can you build with the options data in Excel and Google Sheets?

With the plugin, you can build almost anything you can imagine. We offer hundreds of data points and access to over a million options contracts, so you can import exactly what you need to support your strategy.

Here are a few examples of how I’m using it in my own workflow:

Stocks + Options Watchlist

You can build a watchlist that integrates both stock data and options data to track your portfolio or opportunities in the market. We've written an article about Covered Calls on Dividend Aristocrats stocks that you can check as an example. The benefit here is that data is updated automatically, so you build it once and use it all the time.

Stock Valuation

I'm using a very simple and quick stock valuation model that helps me get an idea of what would be a stock's fair price. I can then compare that fair price to the market price and trade accordingly. I use this often after earnings or other major news events to help me understand how I should adjust my thesis.

I've presented this Excel spreadsheet in a webinar. Here is the clip:

Optimizing Option strike and expiration to sell

Option Samurai is the best tool to use to find the optimal option to sell, according to my criteria. However, I often find myself checking and adjusting positions, so I've built a Google Sheet template that imports several options chains and allows me to compare different metrics to verify what is the best option to sell (let me know if you want to see it, and I'll share it).

Compare stocks with Custom formulas.

I’ve built a custom watchlist with formulas that adapt to changing market conditions. It tracks the stocks I follow and applies logic based on how the market is behaving.

For example, I created a “profitability score” for each stock and multiplied it by the analyst price target. The result is a unique metric that helps me rank opportunities: stocks that are both highly profitable and have strong analyst support rise to the top of the list.

On the other hand, less profitable stocks get a lower rank — even if analysts are bullish on them. This helps me focus on trades that align with both fundamentals and sentiment.

It’s a flexible system I can tweak as the market narrative evolves, and it saves me a lot of time when reviewing setups.

'Floating' Options integration

One of the critical features of our options integration is the 'floating' options formula. Options values derive from the underlying stock, and they constantly change and expire. Therefore, if we were explicit about what option to import, we would need to adjust the sheet continually. The floating formula solves this: Imagine telling Excel to import ATM call instead of Call strike 100 (which is ATM right now but might not be in the future).

The usage is straightforward:

• You can control the Expiration date by giving a specific date or Days to the expiration variable.
• You can control the strike with a specific input, Moneyness, or N strikes away (for example, 1st OTM or 3rd ITM).

For example (Excel):

=OPTIONSAMURAI.OPTION("AAPL", "CALL", ">20", "-5%", "name", "stock_last", "strike")

The above formula will return the call for ticker AAPL (Apple Inc.) with the expiration closest and above 20 days. The strike will be 5% below the current stock price (Moneyness filter), and the formula will return the name of the stock, the stock's last price, and the strike for the option.

See the documentation for a detailed explanation and more examples.

How to use this Template - Excel

We've created a simple template to help you get hands-on experience with the formulas and help you get started. With that, you'd be able to import options data to Excel/Sheets in minutes. To start, edit the orange cells to see the effect of the template and understand how it works.

After that, add the side panel and start adjusting the template. This can help you get started in building your own tool.

Download the template here.

How to use this Template - Google Sheets

The Google Sheets template is identical to the Excel template. Please download a copy to your account and make sure it is the same account you install the plugin on.

Please don't ask for permission to edit this template and make a copy of it. See the template here.

Summary

Excel and Google Sheets are powerful, flexible tools for traders and investors. They let you build customized workflows and tools tailored to your strategy.

With our plugin, you can import options data automagically into Google Sheets and Excel — helping you automate your process, save time, and stay focused on what matters most.

Whether you're creating formulas, building watchlists, or testing strategies, this level of customization can give you a real edge in the market.

Visit Option Samurai to get started.