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Issued shares

Also called: shares issued

In one line

The shares a company has actually created and allocated to shareholders, out of those authorized.

In plain English

Issued shares are the ones that really exist in someone's hands — founders, investors, employees. They're part of the base used to work out ownership percentages.

If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old

The toys the club has actually made and handed out, out of all the toys it's allowed to make.

Why it matters when you sell

Issued (and outstanding) share counts are the denominator for your ownership, so they drive what your slice is worth.

Related terms

Authorized sharesOutstanding sharesFully diluted sharesCapitalization table

Put it to use

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Sources

A general market-practice term. See how we define and source the glossary in our methodology. General information, not advice.

Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.