---
title: "Key Concepts"
description: "Learn how to request and handle equity options in the research environment in QuantConnect"
canonical: https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/research-environment/datasets/equity-options/key-concepts
markdown: https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/research-environment/datasets/equity-options/key-concepts.md
language: python
source: https://github.com/QuantConnect/Documentation/tree/master/04%20Research%20Environment/03%20Datasets/08%20Equity%20Options/01%20Key%20Concepts
modified: 2026-11-02
index: https://www.quantconnect.com/llms.txt
---

# Key Concepts

[Documentation](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2.md) > [Research Environment](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/research-environment.md) > Datasets > Equity Options > Key Concepts

> Code examples are shown in Python. Append `?lang=csharp` to this URL for the C# version of this page.

## Introduction

Equity Options are a financial derivative that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell the underlying Equity, such as Apple, at the stated exercise price. This page explains the basics of Equity Option data in the Research Environment. To get some data, see [Universes](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/research-environment/datasets/equity-options/universes.md) or [Individual Contracts](https://www.quantconnect.com/docs/v2/research-environment/datasets/equity-options/individual-contracts.md). For more information about the specific datasets we use, see the [US Equity Options](https://www.quantconnect.com/datasets/algoseek-us-equity-options) and [US Equity Option Universe](https://www.quantconnect.com/datasets/quantconnect-us-equity-option-universe) dataset listings.

## Resolutions

The following table shows the available resolutions and data formats for Equity Option contract subscriptions:

| Resolution | TradeBar | QuoteBar | Trade Tick | Quote Tick |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `TICK` | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported | Not supported |
| `SECOND` | Supported in live trading only⚠︎ | Supported in live trading only⚠︎ | Not supported | Not supported |
| `MINUTE` | Supported✓ | Supported✓ | Not supported | Not supported |
| `HOUR` | Supported✓ | Supported✓ | Not supported | Not supported |
| `DAILY` | Supported✓ | Supported✓ | Not supported | Not supported |

⚠︎ Supported in live trading only.

## Markets

LEAN groups all of the US Equity Option exchanges under `Market.USA`, so you don't need to pass a `Market` to the `add_option` or `add_option_contract` methods.

## Data Normalization

The data normalization mode doesn't affect data from history request. By default, LEAN doesn't adjust Equity Options data for splits and dividends of their underlying. If you change the data normalization mode, it won't change the outcome.