Startup Equity Calculator

Calculate fair startup equity grant by company stage (seed/A/B/C/pre-IPO) and role. Compare offer against industry standard percentages. Sources cited below for methodology and benchmarks.

How to Calculate

Equity % decreases with each funding round due to dilution. Same role gets ~50% less equity per round. Cash compensation rises in compensation. Total comp (cash + equity at 409A) typically lower at seed/A vs Series C, then comparable at pre-IPO. Methodology: Carta/Pave/Levels.fyi survey thousands of grants annually.

Benchmarks and Context

Stage benchmarks (% of company, Carta 2024): Seed senior eng 0.15-0.40%, Series A senior eng 0.08-0.20%, Series B 0.04-0.10%. C-level founder equity at seed 5-15%, Series A non-founder C-level 1.5-3.5%. International discount 20-40% — non-US offices typically get fewer shares.

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes: (1) Comparing grant size in $$ vs %. Always convert to % of company. (2) Ignoring preferred stock liquidation preference — common stock may be wiped in down rounds. (3) Trusting "ABC company sold for $1B!" — founder takes most upside, junior employee equity often returns 0.5-5x base salary, not life-changing. (4) Failing to negotiate. Most companies have wiggle room ±25% on equity offers.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: Carta Equity Survey, Pave Compensation Benchmarks.