Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate federal tax on an investment sale (short-term gains taxed as ordinary income, long-term gains at 0/15/20%) using 2025 brackets. Calculates in your browser.
Estimated capital-gains tax
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Show the math
Gain is proceeds minus what you paid; the rate depends on holding period:
gain = proceeds − cost basis
long-term: 0% / 15% / 20% stacked on your income
Long-term gains use 2025 breakpoints (0% to $48,350 single / $96,700 joint, then 15%, then 20%). Short-term gains are taxed as ordinary income. Ignores state tax and the 3.8% net investment income tax. Estimate only, not tax advice. All math runs locally in your browser.
What this does
A capital gains tax calculator estimates the federal tax on an investment sale (short-term gains taxed as ordinary income, long-term gains at 0/15/20%) using current brackets.
How it works
Assets held a year or less are short-term and taxed as ordinary income; held longer, they are long-term and taxed at lower 0/15/20% rates. The long-term rate depends on your total taxable income, with the gain stacking on top.
How to use it
- Enter your purchase (cost basis) and sale price.
- Enter the holding period and your other income.
- Choose your filing status.
- Read your estimated capital gains tax.
Understanding your result
Holding longer than a year can sharply cut the tax. This excludes state tax and the 3.8% net investment income tax, so high earners may owe more.
Example
A $10,000 long-term gain for a middle-income single filer is typically taxed at 15%, about $1,500.
Sources & methodology
- IRS, Topic No. 409, Capital Gains and Losses, Holding periods and long-term rates
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between short- and long-term gains?
Assets held a year or less are short-term and taxed as ordinary income; held longer than a year they are long-term and taxed at lower 0/15/20% rates.
How do the long-term rates work?
The long-term rate depends on your total taxable income. The gain stacks on top of your other income across the 0%, 15%, and 20% breakpoints.
Does this include state tax or NIIT?
No. It excludes state tax and the 3.8% net investment income tax, so high earners may owe more.
Is my data kept?
No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.
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