PSU (Performance Share Unit) Calculator

PSUs (Performance Share Units) vest based on company performance metrics, unlike RSUs which vest on time alone. Performance multipliers typically 0-200% of target units (median delivery ~100% target). Riskier than RSUs but higher potential value when company outperforms. Common at public companies for senior employees.

1,000 PSUs at 50 current price = 50k current value. 100% performance multiplier (target met) at vest, 5% annual share growth × 3 years = 57.88 future price. 1,000 × 57.88 = 57,880 expected value. Higher if company outperforms; lower if underperforms. Wide outcome range vs RSU certainty.

PSU mechanics: target performance metric (TSR vs peer group, EPS growth, revenue growth, ESG metrics increasingly common). Performance window typically 3 years. Vesting can range 0-200% of target. Companies offer PSU + RSU mix to balance certainty and performance incentive. Senior executives typically 50-70% PSU, 30-50% RSU; junior employees mostly RSU.

Quick example

With psu units of 1,000 and current share price of 50 (plus performance multiplier of 100% and vest period of 3 years), the result is 57,881.25. Change any figure and watch the output shift — it's often more useful to see the pattern than to memorise the formula.

Which inputs matter most

You enter PSU Units, Current Share Price, Performance Multiplier %, Vest Period (years), and Expected Share Growth % p.a.. Not every input has equal weight. Adjusting one input at a time toward extreme values shows which ones move the result most.

What's happening under the hood

Future price = current × (1 + growth)^years. Adjusted units = PSU × multiplier %. Value = adjusted × future price. The formula is listed in full below. If the number looks off, you can retrace the calculation by hand — that's the point of showing the working.

Using this in pay negotiations

Knowing the exact figure behind a headline rate gives you specific numbers to anchor to in conversations about pay. "The difference is £X per month after tax" lands harder than "a couple of grand a year". Concrete numbers move decisions.

What this doesn't capture

Tax bands, pension contributions, student-loan deductions, and benefits-in-kind sit outside this calculation. The figure is the headline; your actual position depends on local tax rules and personal circumstances. Pair with a dedicated take-home calculator for the full picture.