Calculator Inputs
Enter grant details, price assumptions, taxes, and company dilution inputs. The calculator estimates current value, projected exit proceeds, and model-based fair value.
Example Data Table
| Grant Type | Options | Strike Price | Current Price | Projected Exit | Vested % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hire Grant | 12,000 | $2.50 | $6.80 | $14.00 | 50% |
| Refresh Grant | 4,000 | $5.10 | $6.80 | $11.50 | 75% |
| Promotion Grant | 6,500 | $3.20 | $6.80 | $15.25 | 30% |
Formula Used
Intrinsic Value = Vested Options × max(Share Price − Strike Price, 0)
Exercise Cost = (Vested Options × Strike Price) + Exercise Fee
Projected Net Value = Projected Gross Value − Estimated Tax − Exercise Fee
Ownership % = Options Granted ÷ Shares Outstanding × 100
Modeled Exit Price = Current Share Price × (1 + Growth Rate)Years to Exit
Black-Scholes Call Value = S e−qTN(d1) − K e−rTN(d2)
This model combines practical exercise economics with a fair-value estimate. It is useful for career comparisons, but not a substitute for tax or legal advice.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the total number of options in your grant.
- Add the vested percentage available for exercise today.
- Fill in strike price, current share price, and projected exit price.
- Include tax rate, exercise fee, and years to exit.
- Add volatility, risk-free rate, and expiry for fair-value modeling.
- Review gross value, net proceeds, ownership, and break-even price.
- Export the results as CSV for records or PDF for sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates the current and future value of vested stock options using strike price, projected exit value, taxes, dilution, and a fair-value pricing model.
2. Why show both intrinsic and Black-Scholes values?
Intrinsic value shows immediate exercise economics. Black-Scholes estimates theoretical option value by considering time, volatility, rates, and dividends.
3. Does projected net value include taxes?
Yes. The calculator applies the tax rate to the projected spread above strike price, then subtracts exercise fees to estimate after-tax proceeds.
4. What is the break-even share price?
It is the minimum share price needed to recover strike cost and exercise fees on vested options. Above that level, the grant starts generating value.
5. Why does ownership percentage matter?
Ownership percentage helps you understand dilution exposure and relative stake size. It is useful when comparing offers from different companies.
6. Can this calculator evaluate unvested shares?
Yes. It separates vested and unvested amounts so you can see what is actionable now and what may become valuable later.
7. Is this suitable for job offer comparisons?
Yes. It is designed for career planning, especially when comparing salary, equity upside, exercise cost, and risk across multiple offers.
8. Are the results exact?
No. Equity outcomes depend on company performance, liquidity timing, tax treatment, dilution events, and plan rules. Use these results as informed estimates.