Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate the federal capital gains tax on an investment you sold — stocks, crypto, real estate, or other assets. Enter what you paid, what you sold for, how long you held it, and your income to see your tax, after-tax profit, and effective rate using 2026 federal rates.
Formula reviewed for accuracy. Our methodology & sources
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
tax calculator
How It Works
A capital gain is your profit when you sell an asset for more than you paid. If you held it more than a year, it is long-term and taxed at the preferential 0/15/20% rates based on your taxable income. If you held it a year or less, it is short-term and taxed as ordinary income. The calculator stacks the gain on top of your income to apply the correct 2026 rates.
Formula
Gain = Sale Price − Purchase Price Long-term: gain taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% by income band Short-term: gain taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate
Examples
$10K → $20K, held long-term, $70K income (single)
A $10,000 long-term gain taxed at 15% = $1,500.
Same gain, held short-term
Taxed as ordinary income at the 22% marginal rate — notably more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between long-term and short-term capital gains?
If you hold an asset more than one year before selling, the gain is long-term and taxed at the lower 0%, 15%, or 20% rates. If you hold it one year or less, it is short-term and taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which is usually higher. Holding past the one-year mark can significantly cut your tax.
What are the 2026 long-term capital gains rates?
For 2026, single filers pay 0% on long-term gains while taxable income stays under $49,450, 15% up to $545,500, and 20% above that. For married filing jointly the breakpoints are $98,900 and $613,700. Your gain stacks on top of your other income to determine the rate.
Does this include state tax or the 3.8% NIIT?
No. This is a federal estimate only. Most states also tax capital gains, and high earners may owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax. Your total could be higher than the federal figure shown here.
Do I owe capital gains tax if I sell at a loss?
No. If you sell for less than your cost basis, you have a capital loss, not a gain — there is no tax on it, and losses can often offset other gains or a limited amount of ordinary income. This calculator shows zero tax for a loss.
How can I reduce capital gains tax?
Common strategies include holding assets over a year for long-term rates, harvesting losses to offset gains, using tax-advantaged accounts, and timing sales for lower-income years. This tool helps you compare the long-term vs short-term outcome.
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