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Outstanding shares

Also called: shares outstanding

In one line

The shares currently held by all shareholders — issued shares minus any the company has repurchased.

In plain English

Outstanding shares are what's really in circulation right now. Divide your shares by this (or the fully-diluted total) to get your ownership percentage.

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

All the toys currently in kids' hands — the ones made and given out, minus any the club bought back.

Why it matters when you sell

Outstanding and fully-diluted counts set your true ownership percentage, the basis for valuing a sale.

Related terms

Issued sharesTreasury sharesFully diluted sharesCapitalization table

Put it to use

Dilution calculator

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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.