Most startup employees don’t fully understand their equity until it’s time to exercise. That’s when there’s less room to plan and more pressure to act. Our free startup equity calculator helps you understand what you have, what it costs to exercise, and how to plan ahead.
Know your options, completely free:
*Equitybee is not a tax advisor. Please consult your tax professional, as every situation is different.
know the cost to exercise your vested options.
Understand potential tax exposure, including AMT.
Understand your current,
on-paper equity value.
See what different outcomes could look like.
Explore timing strategies to reduce risk and taxes.
*Equitybee is not a tax advisor. Please consult your tax professional, as every situation is different.
No commitment. Just clarity.
We’ve worked with thousands of startup employees navigating equity decisions. This startup equity calculator was built to answer the questions employees ask long before they are ready to act.
These testimonials may not be representative of all client experiences and there is no guarantee you will share the same results.
Frequently asked questions
The calculator supports common U.S. employee stock options, including ISO and NSO.
ISOs, Incentive Stock Options, and NSOs, Non-Qualified Stock Options, are taxed differently under U.S. tax rules.
ISOs may qualify for favorable tax treatment if specific holding requirements are met, but they can trigger Alternative Minimum Tax, AMT, when exercised.
NSOs are generally taxed as ordinary income at the time of exercise.
Understanding which type you have matters because it affects how taxes may apply.
The calculator provides estimated federal and state tax implications based on the information you provide. It helps you:
- Understand potential tax exposure
- Explore planning scenarios
- Avoid surprises later
Equitybee is not a tax advisor and this tool cannot be relied upon for tax treatment. You should always consult with a professional.
Yes. The calculator is built specifically for private, pre-IPO companies, where equity decisions are often the most uncertain.
The calculator uses information you provide, such as:
- Your strike price
- Your most recent 409A valuation, if available
- Your option grants
This helps estimate costs and potential tax exposure.
All results are estimates. They are meant to help you understand tradeoffs and plan ahead. Actual outcomes may vary based on future valuations, company events, and your personal situation.
The goal is clarity, not prediction.
That’s common. You can connect your Carta account or request it from your employer
Yes. The calculator lets you explore different exercise timing scenarios so you can see how costs and taxes may change over time. This is especially useful if you are not planning to exercise immediately. However, please keep in mind that actual outcomes may vary.
Equitybee Venture Portfolio Fund full FAQ
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You worked for it. You earned it. Understanding your equity now helps you make better decisions later, on your terms.
Know your options, completely free:
