Option pool calculator

An option pool is a bank of equity that companies set aside to attract, reward and motivate employees. As an early-stage founder, setting up your option pool can be a challenge because you can’t predict how many employees or advisors you’ll bring on in the future.

Calculate the size and value of your company’s option pool for future hires

Carta's free calculator is designed to help you size and value your company’s incentive pool. Simply enter information about your last funding round and expected hires to understand:

  • How to set up a scalable option pool, based on your cash flow and burn rate

  • How much equity to allocate to employees at different levels

  • What your employees’ share options could be worth upon exit

  • What a typical option pool looks like at seed

Over 65,000 private companies use Carta for cap table management, expert valuations and share plan setup. To find out how our software and services can help you manage employee equity – all the way from seed to exit – book a free consultation.

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