RSU Vesting Value Calculator: Vested Share From a Grant
Work out the vested value of an RSU grant — the share that has crossed the vesting cliff and become yours, separate from the unvested portion still tied to continued employment.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Vested value | Unvested remainder |
|---|---|---|
| 25% of $120k (year 1) | 30,000 | 90,000 |
| 50% of $200k | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| 12.5% of $80k (6 months) | 10,000 | 70,000 |
| 100% of $50k (fully vested) | 50,000 | 0 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the vested percentage and the total grant value at today's share price. The calculator multiplies the two to give the vested value and shows the unvested remainder. The figure is pre-tax — RSUs vest as ordinary income, and the cash impact depends on the actual share price on each vest date.
The Formula
Percentage of an Amount
Amount is the base value, Percentage is the rate applied to it
Worked Example
A $120,000 RSU grant 25% vested has $30,000 vested and $90,000 unvested. On a standard 4-year cliff vest, that's typical of year 1. The vested $30,000 has already been taxed as income at vest (employer withheld); the unvested $90,000 only matters if you stay through future vest dates.
Key Insight
RSUs are most often misread as 'free money on top of salary' when they are really deferred compensation contingent on staying. The unvested portion has zero value if you leave; the vested portion is yours but already taxed as income — meaning what you keep depends on the share price moving after vest, not before. Treat vested RSUs as portfolio holdings and diversify; treat unvested RSUs as future income, not current wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is RSU vested value calculated?
Multiply the vested percentage by the total grant value at the current share price. 25% of a $120,000 grant is $30,000 vested.
What is a typical RSU vesting schedule?
Most US tech employers use a 4-year vest with a 1-year cliff: 25% vests at year 1, then monthly or quarterly through year 4. Some use 4-year backloaded schedules (5%-15%-40%-40%) that favor employees who stay longer.
Are RSUs taxed when granted or when vested?
Vested. RSUs are not taxed at grant — they are taxed as ordinary income at the share price on the vest date. Employers typically withhold a flat percentage that often under-withholds for high earners.
What happens if I leave before fully vested?
Unvested RSUs are forfeited — they revert to the company. Vested RSUs are yours and stay in your brokerage account. Some companies offer accelerated vesting on certain events (acquisition, layoff); read the grant agreement.
Should I hold or sell vested RSUs?
Concentration risk argues for selling at vest — your salary is already tied to the company. Most financial advisors recommend selling vested RSUs immediately and reinvesting in a diversified portfolio unless you have strong conviction about the stock.
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Methodology & Review
The vested value is total grant value multiplied by the vested percentage; the remainder is unvested. The figure is pre-tax — RSUs vest as ordinary income at the share price on vest date, and most employers withhold a fixed percentage that often under-withholds for high earners.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.