---
title: "VIX Minimum & Maximum Entry Settings"
description: "How to enter only if VIX (volatility) is trading at a certain price"
url: https://help.optionsautotrader.com/en/articles/167-vix-minimum-and-maximum-entry-settings
collection: "Options Auto Trader 101"
updated: 2026-04-21
language: en
---

# VIX Minimum & Maximum Entry Settings

How to enter only if VIX (volatility) is trading at a certain price

The **VIX Minimum & Maximum Entry Settings** allow you to control when your bot enters a trade based on the current level of the **VIX (Volatility Index)**. This is useful for making sure you only run strategies in the type of market volatility they’re designed for.

## What Is VIX?

The **VIX** (CBOE Volatility Index) measures expected market volatility.

-   **High VIX** = higher expected volatility (more market uncertainty).
    
-   **Low VIX** = lower expected volatility (more stable markets).
    

Different strategies perform better in different volatility environments.

## How the Settings Work

-   **Minimum VIX**: The bot will only enter a trade if the VIX is **greater than or equal to** your set value.
    
-   **Maximum VIX**: The bot will only enter a trade if the VIX is **less than or equal to** your set value.
    
-   **Both**: You can set a range (e.g., only take trades when VIX is between 15 and 25).
    

## Example

Imagine you have two strategies:

1.  **High-Volatility Strategy**
    
    -   Works best when VIX is above 20.
        
    -   Set a **Minimum VIX = 20**.
        
    -   The bot will only trade if the VIX is **20 or higher**.
        
2.  **Low-Volatility Strategy**
    
    -   Works best when VIX is below 18.
        
    -   Set a **Maximum VIX = 18**.
        
    -   The bot will only trade if the VIX is **18 or lower**.
        

By combining minimum and maximum, you can target specific volatility ranges. For example, setting **Min = 15** and **Max = 25** ensures trades only run when VIX is between 15 and 25.

## Why This Matters

-   Keeps high-volatility strategies out of calm markets.
    
-   Prevents low-volatility strategies from firing during chaotic swings.
    
-   Lets you tailor bots for different market environments.
    

## Summary

-   **Minimum VIX** = only trade if VIX is at or above your set value.
    
-   **Maximum VIX** = only trade if VIX is at or below your set value.
    
-   Useful for matching strategies to the right volatility conditions.