Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use our free online Capital Gains Tax Calculator to perform fast, accurate calculations with instant formulas, step-by-step arithmetic, and verified reference benchmarks.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Instant Live Computation • Zero Waiting
Adjust inputs on the left for instantaneous live computation.
How to Calculate: The Capital Gains Tax Calculator Formula
Short-term gains (held <= 1 year) are taxed as ordinary income (10% to 37%). Long-term gains (held > 1 year) are taxed at preferential 0%, 15%, or 20% rates.
Step-by-Step Calculation Guide
- Input asset purchase price (cost basis) and total selling price.
- Select holding period (Short-term <= 1 year or Long-term > 1 year).
- Input your annual taxable income and filing status.
- Review net capital profit and estimated federal capital gains tax.
Practical Capital Gains Tax Calculator Examples
Bought shares for $20,000, sold 3 years later for $50,000. Single filer with $80,000 ordinary income (15% LTCG bracket).
Bought crypto for $10,000, sold 4 months later for $25,000. Taxed as ordinary income at 24% marginal rate.
Federal Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Brackets (2025/2026)
Official reference values and benchmark classifications based on standard institutional guidelines.
| Tax Rate | Single Filers | Married Filing Jointly | Head of Household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | Up to $47,025 | Up to $94,050 | Up to $63,000 |
| 15% | $47,026 – $518,900 | $94,051 – $583,750 | $63,001 – $551,350 |
| 20% | Over $518,900 | Over $583,750 | Over $551,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Capital Gains Tax Calculator
What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?
Assets held for one year or less are short-term and taxed at regular federal income tax rates (up to 37%). Assets held longer than one year receive preferential rates (0%, 15%, or 20%).
What is the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)?
High earners with MAGI exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married) pay an additional 3.8% NIIT surtax on investment income.
How does tax-loss harvesting work?
You can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar with capital losses. Up to $3,000 of net losses per year can offset regular ordinary income, with remaining losses carrying forward indefinitely.
What is the primary residence home sale exclusion?
Single homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) in capital gains on their primary home if they lived in it for at least 2 of the past 5 years.