How to use the vesting schedule calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Estimate vested units for a simple linear vesting schedule with an optional cliff. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Total grant units: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Total vesting months: enter a value at least 1 and no more than 600 and a whole number. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Cliff months: enter a value at least 0 and no more than 600 and a whole number. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Months elapsed: enter a value at least 0 and no more than 1000. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Vested units first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 5,000. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Total grant units from 10000 to 11000. The resulting Vested units is 5,500. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Vesting Schedule Calculator formula
Before cliff: 0 vested; after cliff: total×min(elapsed,total months)/total months.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Total grant units | minimum 0 | 10000 |
| Total vesting months | minimum 1; maximum 600; whole number | 48 |
| Cliff months | minimum 0; maximum 600; whole number | 12 |
| Months elapsed | minimum 0; maximum 1000 | 24 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the vested units is 5,000.
- Vested units
- 5,000
- Unvested
- 5,000
- Vested percentage
- 50%
Results and assumptions
The output uses the vested units convention and formula shown above. Match the entered units and source assumptions when comparing results.
Rates, fees and tax assumptions are entered values. This calculation does not quote a lender, determine a tax liability or guarantee an investment return.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Total grant units is required. Enter total grant units using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.