# Open Interest

> The total value of outstanding derivatives contracts at a given moment.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/open-interest
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

Open interest is the total dollar value of futures or options contracts that are currently open, on either side of the trade. Unlike trading volume, which counts every contract that changes hands, open interest only counts positions still active.

Rising open interest with rising price suggests new money is taking long positions. Falling open interest in a sharp move often points to liquidations rather than fresh buying or selling.

## Related terms

- [Perpetual Futures](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/perpetual-futures): A futures contract with no expiry date. Common in crypto, kept in line with the spot price by funding payments.
- [Futures](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/futures): A contract to buy or sell an asset at a fixed price on a future date.
- [Leverage](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/leverage): Trading with borrowed funds, so a small move in the price has a much bigger effect on your position.

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