Is the window always 90 days?

No. Some companies deliberately extend it — five or ten years is the usual alternative — specifically so leaving does not force the decision. There is a trade-off written into the tax code: extending an ISO beyond ninety days generally converts it to an NSO, changing how an eventual exercise is taxed.

What if I can't afford to exercise in time?

That is a common position, and letting options expire is sometimes the reasonable choice. This tool describes a date; it is not a prompt to exercise. What is right depends on circumstances no calculator knows about.

Does this apply to RSUs?

No. RSUs have nothing to exercise and no strike price, so there is no post-termination exercise window. Unvested RSUs are generally simply forfeited when you leave.

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When does your option exercise window close?

Most grants give you a fixed period after your last day to exercise vested options. Ninety days is common, but grants vary. Enter your last day and your window to see the date.

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Educational estimate, never advice

Your dates

Last day of employmentExercise window (days)90 days is a common default, but some grants allow longer (or shorter). Check your option agreement or ask your equity administrator.

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How this is calculated

The window runs from your last day of employment for the number of days your grant specifies. Ninety days is the common default, inherited from a condition ISOs must meet to keep their tax treatment — not a law, and not universal.

Miss the date and vested options expire. Years of vesting can end with nothing, not because the company failed but because a date passed and nobody sent a reminder.

This counts calendar days from the date you enter. What counts as your last day, and how different departure types are treated, is defined by your plan and termination paperwork — confirm the date with your company rather than relying on a default.

Questions people ask

Is the window always 90 days?: No. Some companies deliberately extend it — five or ten years is the usual alternative — specifically so leaving does not force the decision. There is a trade-off written into the tax code: extending an ISO beyond ninety days generally converts it to an NSO, changing how an eventual exercise is taxed.
What if I can't afford to exercise in time?: That is a common position, and letting options expire is sometimes the reasonable choice. This tool describes a date; it is not a prompt to exercise. What is right depends on circumstances no calculator knows about.
Does this apply to RSUs?: No. RSUs have nothing to exercise and no strike price, so there is no post-termination exercise window. Unvested RSUs are generally simply forfeited when you leave.

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Behind this calculation: The exercise window after you leave.

Other free calculators: Private vs public offer, Option exercise cost, Vesting schedule.

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