7 min read
How to Calculate Dividends (Step-by-Step Formulas)
Learn the exact formulas for annual dividend income, dividend yield, yield on cost, quarterly payouts, DRIP share compounding, and after-tax dividends.
Updated on November 5, 2026
Dividend Investing Guides
These plain-English guides explain how corporate dividends work, how the IRS taxes qualified and ordinary payouts, and how to build a steady dividend portfolio. Each article includes worked math examples and links to our calculators.
6 min read
Dividend Glossary: 25 Key Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of dividend yield, ex-dividend date, record date, DRIP, qualified dividends, payout ratio, AFFO, and more.
7 min read
What Are Dividends? A Plain-English Guide
Learn how corporate dividends work, why companies pay them, how cash and stock dividends differ, and how to read dividend metrics.
8 min read
Qualified vs. Ordinary Dividends: US Tax Rules
Learn the difference between qualified and ordinary dividends, the 61-day holding period rule, Form 1099-DIV, and federal tax rates.
7 min read
DRIP Investing Explained: Reinvesting Dividends
See how automatic dividend reinvestment buys fractional shares, how taxes work on reinvested payouts, and when to turn DRIP off.
6 min read
Dividend Dates Explained: Ex-Dividend & Pay Dates
Learn the 4 key dividend dates in order so you know when you must own a stock to collect the next payout.
8 min read
How to Build a Dividend Portfolio From Scratch
A step-by-step plan for building a diversified dividend portfolio using ETFs and individual stocks.
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Disclaimer: This calculator and article are for education and estimation only. They are not financial, tax, or investment advice. Past dividend growth or yield does not guarantee future payouts. Check current SEC filings, fund prospectuses, or a licensed advisor before investing.