Estimated Results
This estimator is informational only. Rates, withholding, AMT rules, and local treatment can differ by plan, country, and filing status.
Calculator Inputs
Use the responsive three-column grid on large screens, two columns on smaller screens, and one column on mobile devices.
Plotly Graph
The chart compares exercise cost, exercise-related taxes, projected capital gains tax, and estimated after-tax value from your scenario.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Type | Shares | Strike | FMV | Sale Price | Ordinary Rate | Capital Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate liquidity | NSO | 1,000 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 | 24% | 15% |
| Longer hold | NSO | 1,000 | $12.00 | $20.00 | $28.00 | 24% | 15% |
| Potential ISO hold | ISO | 2,000 | $8.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 | 24% | 15% |
Formula Used
Spread per share
Current FMV − Exercise price
Spread amount
Spread per share × Shares exercised
Exercise cost
Exercise price × Shares exercised
Ordinary tax
Ordinary income × Ordinary tax rate
State tax
Ordinary income × State or local tax rate
Payroll tax
Ordinary income × Payroll tax rate
AMT estimate
AMT income × AMT rate
Capital gain
(Projected sale price − Basis) × Shares
Capital gains tax
Capital gain × Capital gains tax rate
Projected net after sale
Sale value − Exercise cost − Fees − Costs − Taxes
For ISO disqualifying sales, ordinary income is estimated as the lesser of the bargain element and the actual gain. Real filings can differ.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your option type and sale scenario first.
- Fill in shares, strike price, current FMV, and expected sale price.
- Add estimated tax rates, AMT rate, fees, and other costs.
- Submit the form to see costs, tax categories, and projected net value.
- Review the chart and notes to compare exercise timing ideas.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to save your scenario summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates exercise cost, taxable spread, AMT exposure, projected sale proceeds, and after-tax net value for common employee stock option scenarios.
2. Why are NSO and ISO results different?
NSOs usually create ordinary income at exercise. ISOs can defer regular tax, but they may create AMT exposure or different sale treatment.
3. What is the spread?
The spread is the difference between current fair market value and exercise price. It often drives exercise-day taxable income.
4. Does the calculator replace professional tax advice?
No. Plan documents, payroll systems, holding periods, filing status, deductions, and country-specific rules can materially change the final tax outcome.
5. How is AMT handled here?
The calculator uses a simple AMT estimate based on bargain element and your AMT rate. Actual AMT credits and thresholds are not modeled.
6. What sale price should I enter?
Enter the price you expect to receive when selling shares. Matching it to current FMV helps model a same-day sale.
7. Can this show a loss?
Yes. If fees, taxes, or a lower sale price outweigh the exercise economics, projected net value can turn negative.
8. Why export results?
Exports help you compare multiple scenarios, share assumptions with advisers, and keep a snapshot of exercise planning decisions.