IPO Application Amount Calculator
An IPO bid is made in lots, and the amount that gets blocked in your account depends on the price, the lot size and how many lots you choose. The number of lots also decides which category your bid falls in. A bid up to ₹2 lakh is a retail bid, a bid above that and up to ₹10 lakh is a small-HNI bid, and anything larger is a big-HNI bid. Each category has its own quota and is allotted differently.
Enter a price, a lot size and a number of lots, or pick a current IPO to fill in the first two. You will see the amount, the number of shares, the category, and the largest retail bid at that price.
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
Use the upper end of the price band: that is what the category limits are judged on.
How the numbers are worked out
- One lot = price × lot size. Amount to be blocked = one lot × number of lots. Shares = lot size × number of lots.
- Category: retail when the amount is under ₹2,00,000; S-HNI when it is under ₹10,00,000; B-HNI from ₹10,00,000.
- Largest retail bid = the most whole lots that keep the amount under ₹2,00,000 at that price.
Worked example: a price of ₹150 and a lot of 100 shares. One lot is ₹15,000. Thirteen lots are ₹1,95,000, still a retail bid; fourteen lots are ₹2,10,000, which is S-HNI. The same rules draw the lot table on each IPO's own page.
Once you know your bid size, the allotment probability calculator shows what chance a bid of that kind has at a given subscription.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment in an IPO?
One lot. IPO shares can only be bid for in lots, so the minimum investment is the lot size multiplied by the price per share. For an issue price of ₹150 and a lot of 100 shares, one lot is ₹15,000.
Which price should I use for a retail bid?
The upper end of the price band. Most retail bids are placed at the cut-off price, which means the amount blocked is worked out at the upper band. If the final issue price turns out lower, the difference is released.
How many lots can a retail investor apply for?
As many as keep the bid under ₹2 lakh. The calculator shows that number for the price and lot size you enter. A bid above ₹2 lakh is not a retail bid: it goes into the non-institutional category.
What are S-HNI and B-HNI?
They are the two parts of the non-institutional category. A bid above ₹2 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh is small HNI (S-HNI); a bid above ₹10 lakh is big HNI (B-HNI). SEBI reserves one third of the non-institutional portion for S-HNI and two thirds for B-HNI.
Is the money taken from my account when I apply?
No. For a UPI or ASBA bid the amount is only blocked in your account. It is debited only for the shares you are actually allotted, and the rest is released after allotment.
Can I apply more than once with the same PAN?
Several applications for the same IPO from one PAN are treated as multiple applications and can be rejected. Family members who each have their own PAN and demat account can apply separately.
Do SME IPOs work the same way?
The ₹2 lakh and ₹10 lakh lines are the same, but an SME IPO sets its own minimum bid size in its offer document. Enter the lot size and the number of lots you will actually bid for.