Approximate Inversion of the Black-Scholes Formula Using Rational Functions

The Black-Scholes formula is often used in the backward direction to invert the implied volatility, usually with some solver method. Solver methods, being aesthetically unappealing, are also slower than closed-form approximations. However, closed-form approximations in previous works lack accuracy, often providing option pricing errors well exceeding the bid-ask spreads. We develop a new closed-form method based on the rational approximation. The rational approximation is much faster than typical solver methods and very accurate for both at-the-money and away-from-the-money options. Its accuracy can be further improved by one or two steps of Newton-Raphson iterations