Free tool · No signup

Cap Table Calculator

Build a startup capitalization table: founder shares, option pool, and every funding round. See exactly who owns what after each raise.

Founders

Total founder shares: 10,000,000

Funding rounds

Founders own

69.75%

Total raised

$2,125,000

Rounds modeled

2

Cap table

HolderAt formation + poolAfter YC ($125K for 7%)After Seed
Founder 145.00%41.85%34.87%
Founder 245.00%41.85%34.87%
Option pool10.00%9.30%7.75%
YC ($125K for 7%)7.00%5.83%
Seed16.67%

YC Insights Pro

Found the number? Now see how funded founders got theirs.

46 databases and 100+ founder stories on YC applications, valuations, equity splits and first customers — unlimited access for $49/year.

Cancel anytime · 5 free stories a month, no account needed · Secure checkout by Dodo Payments

Next step

The SAFE is where most cap tables go wrong

Post-money SAFEs lock the investor's percentage and push all conversion dilution onto founders. Read exactly how the math lands before you sign.

Read how the post-money SAFE works

Related tools

Browse all free YC tools.

How to use this tool

  1. Step 1

    Enter founder shares

    Use raw share counts — 5,000,000 each for a 50/50 split is typical.

  2. Step 2

    Set the option pool

    Pools are usually 10–15% and created before the round, so founders absorb it.

  3. Step 3

    Add your rounds

    Enter the amount raised and post-money valuation for each round.

  4. Step 4

    Read the ownership table

    Every existing holder is diluted pro rata as each new round is added.

Free YC databases

Everything behind this page is in our open databases

Batch lists, rejection case studies, RFS playbooks and launch guides — all free to read, no signup.

Browse all free YC databases → · or start on the YCInsight homepage

FAQ

What is a cap table?

A capitalization table lists every shareholder and how much of the company each one owns. It tracks founders, the option pool, SAFEs and priced-round investors, and it is the document investors check before they wire money.

How do I calculate a cap table?

Add up all shares issued, then divide each holder's shares by that total. When you add a round, new shares are issued, the denominator grows, and every existing holder's percentage falls even though their share count stays the same.

What does a startup cap table look like after YC?

YC takes 7% for $125K on a post-money SAFE, plus $375K on an uncapped MFN SAFE that converts at your next priced round. Two founders at 50/50 with a 10% pool typically land near 41.5% each after the 7%.

How big should the option pool be?

Most seed rounds carry a 10–15% pool. Investors usually require the pool to be created before their money goes in, which means founders absorb that dilution, not the new investor.

Is this cap table calculator free?

Yes. No signup, nothing is stored, and every number stays in your browser.

Keep reading

New here? Start on the YCInsight homepage — every YC database, founder story and Q&A in one place. Or jump straight to the free YC databases.