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Equity Basics

What Is Issued Share Capital? Meaning, Formula and Example

Issued Share Capital represents the share capital attached to shares actually issued to shareholders.

By Kamal Kumar2026-09-223 min read

# What Is Issued Share Capital?

Issued Share Capital represents the share capital attached to shares that a company has actually issued to shareholders.

Formula

A simplified calculation is:

Issued Share Capital = Issued Shares × Face Value

For example:

Issued shares = 6 crore
Face value = ₹10

Issued Share Capital = ₹60 crore

Authorized vs Issued

If authorized capital is ₹100 crore and issued capital is ₹60 crore, the company has not necessarily issued the remaining ₹40 crore.

Authorized capital is the ceiling; issued capital is the portion actually issued.

Issued vs Paid-Up Capital

Issued and paid-up capital can differ when shares are not fully paid.

Example:

6 crore shares
Face value = ₹10
Amount paid = ₹8 per share

Paid-up amount can be ₹48 crore, subject to the issue terms and accounting presentation.

Does Issue Price Equal Face Value?

Not necessarily.

Suppose:

Face value = ₹10
Issue price = ₹150

The nominal share-capital component is based on face value. The amount above face value is generally recognised separately as securities premium, subject to applicable accounting treatment.

NIFTY-Style Example

A hypothetical listed company issues 2 crore shares at ₹250.

Total funds raised:

2 crore × ₹250 = ₹500 crore

Nominal share capital:

2 crore × ₹10 = ₹20 crore

The remaining ₹480 crore is generally accounted for separately as securities premium, subject to the applicable rules.

Why Investors Should Care

Changes in issued share capital can affect:

Share count
Ownership
EPS
Dilution
Voting structure
Market capitalisation

Always connect a new issue with the resulting change in shares outstanding.

\n## Why It Matters to Investors

This concept should be analysed in context rather than in isolation. Investors should compare the figure with the company's history, financial statements and relevant disclosures.

NIFTY-Style Example

Consider a hypothetical NIFTY-listed company. The example is designed only to show the mechanics; it is not a recommendation about any real company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this figure the same as cash?

No. An accounting or capital-structure figure should not automatically be interpreted as the company's current cash balance.

Can it be analysed on its own?

It is better used alongside profitability, cash flow, debt, share count and other relevant measures.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the mechanics behind a financial statement or options position helps investors and traders interpret numbers more accurately.

> Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Examples are hypothetical.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a SEBI registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions.