Understand the award before estimating its value. These guides separate grant, vesting, exercise, settlement, and sale, and show why a paper balance is not the same as available cash. Start with the option-grant review, then use the vesting example to check the schedule. The questions are intended to support a conversation with your employer and advisers, not replace individual tax or legal advice.
Prepare an award review
Keep the grant notice, plan, dates, exercise price, and share class together. Calculate the vesting schedule only after confirming the instrument and terms. Then distinguish exercise cash, potential tax cash, and uncertain future sale proceeds. These articles help organize a discussion with your employer and advisers; they cannot decide whether an exercise or job change is appropriate for you.
Employee Stock Options: How to Read Your Equity Grant
Read an employee stock option grant with a framework for vesting, exercise costs, ownership percentages, departure rules, taxes, and liquidity.
Equity Vesting Schedules: Cliffs, Dates, and a Four-Year Example
Understand equity vesting schedules with a four-year example, a one-year cliff, grant-by-grant tracking, departure questions, and acceleration terms.