What is Equity Grant?
Quick answer
An equity grant is company stock or stock options awarded to an employee, usually vesting over several years.
An equity grant is company stock or stock options awarded to an employee, usually vesting over several years. Grants can be RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, or restricted stock depending on company stage.
Examples
- A $200,000 RSU grant vesting 25% per year over four years.
- 100,000 stock options at a $2 strike price in an early-stage startup.
- A refresh grant issued at the two-year mark on top of the initial grant.
Why this matters
RaiseCheck translates confusing grant paperwork into a clear annualized dollar value — and flags grants that look generous but vest on unfavorable terms.
Read more in our guides
- Raise request email: templates and what to say in writing in 2026
- Average merit increase in 2026: what employers actually budget and what to expect
- What is total compensation? (2026 plain-English guide with worked examples)
Frequently asked questions
What is Equity Grant?
An equity grant is company stock or stock options awarded to an employee, usually vesting over several years. Grants can be RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, or restricted stock depending on company stage.
When does Equity Grant matter?
RaiseCheck translates confusing grant paperwork into a clear annualized dollar value — and flags grants that look generous but vest on unfavorable terms.
What's an example of Equity Grant?
A $200,000 RSU grant vesting 25% per year over four years. 100,000 stock options at a $2 strike price in an early-stage startup. A refresh grant issued at the two-year mark on top of the initial grant.
Want this applied to your own situation?
SalaryCheck gives you a specific, dollar-amount analysis in about 30 seconds. One-time $9.99, no account, no subscription.
Get My Salary Benchmark — $9.99