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Equity Basics

What Is Paid-Up Share Capital? Meaning, Formula and Example

Paid-Up Share Capital represents the amount of share capital actually paid by shareholders on issued shares.

By Kamal Kumar2026-09-223 min read

# What Is Paid-Up Share Capital?

Paid-Up Share Capital represents the amount of share capital actually paid by shareholders on shares issued by a company.

Formula

A simplified formula is:

Paid-Up Share Capital = Number of Shares × Amount Paid Per Share

Suppose:

Shares = 5 crore
Amount paid per share = ₹10

Then:

Paid-Up Share Capital = ₹50 crore

Partly Paid Shares

Suppose 5 crore shares have a face value of ₹10, but only ₹7 per share has been paid.

Then:

Paid-up amount = 5 crore × ₹7 = ₹35 crore

The precise presentation depends on the issue terms and applicable accounting requirements.

Authorized vs Issued vs Paid-Up

| Type | Example |

|---|---:|

| Authorized capital | ₹100 cr |

| Issued capital | ₹60 cr |

| Paid-up capital | ₹50 cr |

These are different measurements of a company's share structure.

Paid-Up Capital vs Market Capitalisation

Suppose:

Shares = 10 crore
Face value = ₹10
Market price = ₹250

Paid-up share capital, assuming fully paid shares:

₹100 crore

Market capitalisation:

10 crore × ₹250 = ₹2,500 crore

Market price does not change the face-value share-capital figure.

Why Investors Should Care

Changes in paid-up capital can result from:

New share issues
Rights issues
Bonus issues
Other capital restructurings

Investors should examine the resulting effect on share count and EPS.

Important Distinction

Paid-up share capital is one component of shareholders' equity.

It is not the same as total equity, which can also include retained earnings, reserves and other equity components.

\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.