Stock Options & RSU Calculator — Net After Tax
Quick answer: Pick your equity type (ISO, NSO, or RSU), enter your grant, vested %, expected exit price, and tax rates to see your real net payout.
Calculate the realistic after-tax value of your stock options or RSUs. Most online calculators ignore dilution between today and exit, conflate ISOs and NSOs, or skip taxes entirely. This one models all three, plus the difference between ordinary income and long-term capital gains tax treatment.
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Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error
Typical 10-30% per round.
Net After-Tax Value
$25,200
Gross at exit: $40,000. Exercise cost: $0. Total tax: $14,800 (37.0% effective).
Vested Shares (post-dilution)
2,000
Ordinary Income Tax
$14,800
Capital Gains Tax
$0
Where Your Equity Goes
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How to Use This Options & RSU Calculator
- 1Pick your equity type: ISO (incentive stock option), NSO (non-qualified), or RSU (restricted stock unit).
- 2Enter total grant size and current vested %.
- 3Enter strike price (0 for RSUs) and expected exit share price.
- 4Enter assumed dilution % between now and exit (typical 10-30%).
- 5Enter your federal/state tax brackets and LTCG rate.
- 6For ISOs, indicate if you plan to hold over 1 year post-exercise.
- 7Read net after-tax value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- ISOs (Incentive Stock Options) get preferential capital gains tax treatment if you hold the shares >1 year after exercise + >2 years from grant. NSOs (Non-Qualified) are taxed as ordinary income on the spread when you exercise. RSUs are restricted stock that vests directly into shares, taxed as ordinary income at vesting.
- Each new funding round issues more shares, reducing the percentage of the company your shares represent. A 1% stake at Series A might dilute to 0.5% by IPO. Always model this — typical dilution is 10-25% per round.
- Alternative Minimum Tax can be triggered when you exercise ISOs but don't sell. The "spread" (FMV − strike) is treated as preference income. Speak to a CPA before exercising large ISO grants — AMT bills can be massive.
- Early exercise (before vesting) starts the LTCG holding clock and locks in low strike price for AMT purposes. Best for very early employees with cheap strike prices and high conviction. File 83(b) within 30 days of exercise.
- Then your equity is worth $0 and any cash you spent on exercise is lost. Factor this risk: only ~20% of VC-backed startups have meaningful exits. Don't exercise more than you can afford to lose.
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