Skip to main content
SAAS RUNWAY SECTOR 100% In-Browser Privacy

Startup Employee Stock Option Vesting & Equity Calculator

Calculate startup stock option payouts, 4-year vesting schedule with 1-year cliff, strike price exercise cost, and post-dilution exit payout scenarios.

SaaS Cash & Expense Inputs

Live Real-Time Math
$
$
+8%
80%

Monthly Operating Overhead (OPEX)

Runway & Burn ProjectionsLive Calculation

Net Cash Runway Remaining:

13.5Months
Zero Cash Date: Oct 2027
Gross Monthly Burn:$17,000
Net Monthly Burn Rate:-$7,400 /mo
Projected MRR in 6 Months (+8% MoM):$19,042

Comprehensive Guide: Startup Employee Stock Option Vesting & Equity Calculator

Standard startup stock option grants follow a 4-year vesting schedule with a 1-year cliff (25% vests after 12 months, followed by 1/48th monthly vesting).

Mathematical Formula Breakdown

Vested Options = (Months Vested / 48) × Total Options (if Months >= 12). Net Exit Payout = Vested Options × (Exit Price - Strike Price).

Industry Pricing Benchmarks

Standard employee stock grants range from 0.1% to 1.5% depending on role seniority and startup funding stage.

Optimization Strategies

  • Consider 83(b) tax elections when exercising early to lock in low strike price valuations for capital gains tax treatment.
  • Understand post-termination exercise windows (typically 90 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 1-year cliff in stock option vesting?

No equity vests during the first 12 months. On your 1-year anniversary, 25% of the total options vest simultaneously.