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Stock option calculator for startup offers
See a typical equity range for the role, how many options that is, and what the grant could be worth after future rounds dilute it. Built for founders writing an offer, and for candidates weighing one.
| After | Vested | Options | Value at exit |
|---|
Assumes a standard 4-year vest with a 1-year cliff. Values are before tax and before any liquidation preferences.
How to use these numbers
The ranges are a starting point for the conversation, not a rule. Early hires take more risk and usually get the top of the range; hires after a Series B usually sit lower, because the company is worth more and the risk is smaller. Always show candidates the number of options, the strike price and the vesting schedule, not only a percentage.
Dilution matters more than most candidates expect. Two more rounds at 20% each leave 64% of the original stake, so a 1% grant today is roughly 0.64% at exit. Change the dilution and rounds above to see your own case.
For more detail on building an offer, read how many stock options to offer startup employees and how to hire when you can't match big tech salaries.
Frequently asked questions
How much equity should a startup offer an early employee?
For startups with up to 50 employees, SeedLegals data shows typical grants of 0.8 to 2.5% for C-suite, 0.3 to 2% for VPs, 0.5 to 1% for directors, 0.2 to 0.7% for managers and 0 to 0.2% for other employees. Earlier hires usually sit at the top of the range.
How do I turn a percentage into a number of options?
Multiply the percentage by the fully diluted share count, including the option pool. For example, 0.5% of 10,000,000 fully diluted shares is 50,000 options.
How does dilution change what the options are worth?
Each funding round issues new shares, so an existing holder's percentage shrinks. At 20% dilution per round, a stake keeps 80% of its size after one round and 64% after two, even though the company is usually worth more.
Is this financial or tax advice?
No. It is a planning tool. Tax treatment depends on the scheme and country (for example EMI options in the UK or ISOs in the US), so check with an accountant or lawyer before making an offer.
Equity ranges: SeedLegals, companies with up to 50 employees. Calculator by Funded.club, fixed-fee recruiting for funded startups.