A designation, usually alphabetic, given to a fund's shares based on calculation of sales charge. Typically A class is used for front end load funds, B class shares for back end load funds and C class is used for level load funds.

The class of shares held by an investor in a mutual fund. Although a share class may have different distribution or shareholder servicing fees, all share classes of a fund pay the same management fees, and represent an interest in the total investment portfolio of the fund.

These classes represent ownership in the same fund, but charge different fees. This can enable shareholders to choose the type of fee structure that best suits their particular needs. Common share classes are Class A, Class B and Class C shares.