📊 Capital Gains Tax: Calculator

Estimate short-term and long-term capital gains tax based on your holding period and tax bracket.

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ESTIMATED CAPITAL GAINS TAX
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Tax rate applied: 15%
Capital Gain / Loss
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Net Proceeds After Tax
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How Capital Gains Tax Works

When you sell an investment (stocks, crypto, real estate, or other assets) for more than you paid, the profit is a capital gain and is generally taxable. How much tax you owe depends heavily on how long you held the asset before selling.

Capital Gain = Sale Price − Purchase Price
Capital Gains Tax = Capital Gain × Tax Rate

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Gains (US Rules)

In the US tax system, assets held for one year or less before selling generate short-term capital gains, taxed at your regular ordinary income tax rate. Assets held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains treatment, taxed at preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your total taxable income — often significantly lower than ordinary income rates.

Why Holding Period Matters So Much

⚠️ Important: This is a simplified US-centric educational estimate. It doesn't account for the Net Investment Income Tax, state taxes, cost basis adjustments, capital losses offsetting gains, or other nuances. Consult a tax professional for your actual filing.

📎 Related Tools: Investment Calculator ROI Calculator Income Tax Calculator Crypto Profit Calculator

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as long-term vs short-term for capital gains?
In the US, an asset held for more than one year before being sold qualifies for long-term capital gains rates. Held for one year or less, any gain is taxed as short-term at your ordinary income tax rate.
Can capital losses offset capital gains?
Yes — in the US, capital losses can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar, and up to $3,000 of net losses can typically offset ordinary income each year, with any excess carried forward to future years. This calculator doesn't model loss offsetting.
Do I owe capital gains tax on crypto too?
Generally yes — the IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so selling, trading, or spending crypto for a profit typically triggers a capital gain subject to the same short-term/long-term rules as stocks.
Are there 0% capital gains brackets?
Yes — for long-term gains, taxpayers in lower income brackets can qualify for a 0% federal long-term capital gains rate, which is why the bracket you select matters significantly.
Does this include state capital gains tax?
No — this calculator estimates federal capital gains tax only. Many US states also tax capital gains, often at the state's regular income tax rate, which would be additional.

🏆 About This Tool — Accuracy & Trust

🔒 Data Privacy: All calculations run entirely within your browser using JavaScript. Nothing you enter here is ever transmitted to our servers, stored, sold, or shared.

📐 Accuracy Note: This tool uses standard, widely published formulas and guidelines. Results are estimates for informational purposes; for financial, medical, or engineering decisions, consult a licensed professional.

📅 Last Updated: September 2026.