Top Unusual Flow

The single highest-scoring unusual-options-flow print on a symbol.

Definition

The single highest-scoring unusual-flow print observed on a symbol in the lookback window. Sweep or block classification, NBBO aggressor strength, opening or closing bias from the OI simulator, directional intent, and a transparent 0-100 composite score.

Score formula
score = premium (22) + size_vs_oi (18) + aggressor (14)
    + sweep (12) + opening_bias (9) + tenor (12)

Components sum to score. Top-decile prints with score ≥ 70 carry the "golden" tag.

Inputs
trade premiumsizeOI baselineNBBOopening/closing bias
Output
score 0-100structureintenttags
Interpretation
  • Sweep + opening + bullish = fresh long-call positioning
  • Block + closing = unwind, not new conviction
  • Above_ask aggressor = paid up, urgent
  • Golden tag = top decile in window AND score ≥ 70

API Reference

Endpoint
GET /v1/flow/signals/{symbol}
Tier
Alpha+
Key params
minScore, structure, windowMinutes, expiry
Per-signal fields
strike, right, side, premium, dte, structure, aggressor, open_close_bias, intent, score, conviction, tags, score_breakdown, enrichment

Why Top Unusual Flow Matters for Trading

TL;DR

A single 95-score opening sweep in a calls strike usually precedes a directional move that runs into expiry. The transparent score breakdown lets you filter for the specific signature you trust, instead of trusting a black-box flow feed.

How to read the score

Golden (≥ 85)
  • Top-decile + opening bias
  • Whale tag if premium ≥ $1M
  • Highest conviction
  • Trade-trigger candidate
High conviction
Notable (70-85)
  • Clear opening flow
  • Above-average size and aggression
  • Worth watching
  • Pair with direction signal
Watch
Low (< 70)
  • Background tape noise
  • Probably closing or hedge
  • Ignore without confirmation
Skip

Rules of thumb

  • Opening bias is the most important sub-component. Closing-bias prints unwind existing positions and rarely predict direction.
  • Sweep + above-ask = urgency. The trader paid up across multiple quotes within 500ms. They were not negotiating.
  • Pair with smart-money tilt. One top print plus a same-direction net-premium roll-up is a confirmed signal, not a one-off.
  • Don't chase ITM closing prints. Tags include "0dte" and "closing"; filter them out unless you want pin trades.
Ship faster

Live for 6,000+ US symbols. One API call, sub-200ms.

Stop scraping chains and coding Black—Scholes from scratch. FlashAlpha computes GEX, DEX, VEX, CHEX, 15 BSM Greeks, SVI surfaces, max pain, VRP and more — fresh every 30s, cached at the edge. Free tier, no credit card, no rate-limit games.

Free · 5/day
GEX, regime, gamma flip, max pain preview. No card.
Basic · 100/day
DEX, VEX, CHEX, full max pain, VRP, IV rank.
Alpha · higher limits
SVI surfaces, fair-vol, harvest scores, directional VRP.