ISO Exercise Cost Calculator
Exercising costs more than the strike price. This adds the estimated tax so you know the real cash needed before you commit.
Cash you need
- Strike cost
- $15,000
- Bargain element
- $105,000
- Estimated tax (28%)
- $29,400
- Total cash required
- $44,400
- Value of shares at current FMV
- $120,000
Estimate only. ISO tax shown assumes the whole spread lands above your AMT crossover — run the AMT calculator for a closer number.
Related guides
ISOs and NSOs are taxed completely differently. See who can get each, when tax hits, and a full worked example comparing both.
When should I exercise my stock options?There's no single rule for when to exercise stock options. It depends on concentration, remaining time value, and your cash-flow needs.
Should I exercise my stock options before an IPO?Exercising stock options before IPO means paying now for an illiquid, uncertain asset. Here's the real trade-off, with worked numbers.
What is the $100k rule for stock options?Only $100,000 of ISOs (valued at grant) can vest per year. Learn how the $100k rule splits your options into ISO and NSO portions.