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US Capital Gains Tax Calculator

Estimate short-term and long-term capital gains tax based on holding period, basis, and filing status.

Investment Details

Sale Price

Cost Basis (Purchase Price)

Other Taxable Income

Wages, salary, and other income for accurate marginal rate calculation

Filing Status

Holding Period

Long-term gains are taxed at preferential rates: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on income.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for federal capital gains taxes only, based on 2026 tax brackets and rates. It does not account for state or local taxes, the alternative minimum tax (AMT), depreciation recapture, qualified small business stock exclusions, opportunity zone deferrals, or wash sale rules. Your actual tax liability may differ based on your complete tax situation. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.

How Capital Gains Tax Works

When you sell an investment — stocks, bonds, real estate, cryptocurrency, or other assets — for more than you originally paid, the profit is called a capital gain and is subject to federal tax. How much tax you owe depends on two key factors: how long you held the asset and your total taxable income.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

The IRS distinguishes between short-term and long-term capital gains based on your holding period. Assets held for one year or less before selling generate short-term capital gains, which are taxed at ordinary income tax rates — the same progressive brackets that apply to wages and salaries. Assets held for more than one year qualify for preferential long-term capital gains rates of 0%, 15%, or 20%, depending on your taxable income and filing status.

2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Rates

0% rate: Single filers up to $49,450; Married Filing Jointly up to $98,900; Head of Household up to $66,200.
15% rate: Single filers $49,450 – $545,500; Married Filing Jointly $98,900 – $613,700; Head of Household $66,200 – $579,600.
20% rate: Income above the 15% threshold for each filing status.

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT)

High-income taxpayers may also owe the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax, sometimes called the Medicare surtax on investment income. The NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold: $200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married filing jointly, $125,000 for married filing separately, and $200,000 for head of household. This means the maximum combined long-term capital gains rate for high earners is effectively 23.8% (20% + 3.8% NIIT).

Cost Basis and How It Affects Your Gain

Your cost basis is generally the original purchase price of the asset plus any associated costs such as commissions, fees, or improvements (for real estate). A higher cost basis means a smaller capital gain and lower taxes. Methods for determining cost basis include specific identification, FIFO (first in, first out), and average cost (for mutual fund shares). Inherited assets typically receive a stepped-up basis to fair market value at the date of death, potentially eliminating unrealized gains.

Capital Losses

If you sell an asset for less than your cost basis, you have a capital loss. Capital losses first offset capital gains of the same type (short-term losses offset short-term gains, long-term losses offset long-term gains), then offset gains of the other type. If your total capital losses exceed your total capital gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 per year ($1,500 if married filing separately) against ordinary income. Any remaining losses carry forward to future tax years indefinitely.

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How to Use the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator

1
Enter your values
Open the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator and fill in the required input fields with your numbers or selections.
2
Review the calculation
The tool automatically computes the result as you type. Double-check your inputs to ensure accuracy.
3
Interpret your results
Review the calculated output along with any breakdowns, charts, or explanations provided to understand what the numbers mean for your situation.

Sources & Verification

Tax rates verified against official government sources for current published tax years

IRS HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Published by ConvertCrunch Editorial Team | Our Methodology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator?

The US Capital Gains Tax Calculator is a free browser-based tool on ConvertCrunch. Estimate short-term and long-term capital gains tax based on holding period, basis, and filing status. It requires no downloads, installations, or account signups. Simply enter your values and get instant, accurate results. The tool is designed for quick calculations and informed decision-making, whether you are a professional, student, or everyday user looking for reliable answers.

How do I use the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator?

Using the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator is straightforward. Enter your values into the input fields provided on the page, then calculate or adjust parameters to explore scenarios. Most processing happens locally in your browser. If a feature uses a third-party service, the tool identifies that connection and the privacy policy explains it. Most users get the answers they need in under a minute.

Is the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator free to use?

Yes, the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator is completely free to use with no account signup, email requirement, or premium tier. Most calculations run locally in your browser. Features that depend on live data or a third-party service require a network connection and are identified in the tool. You can use it as many times as you need for personal, educational, or professional purposes.

How accurate is the US Capital Gains Tax Calculator?

The US Capital Gains Tax Calculator uses current tax rates, brackets, and thresholds published by the relevant tax authority. It is designed for estimation and planning purposes and produces results consistent with official guidelines. However, individual tax situations can be complex, and this tool does not replace professional tax advice. Always verify results with a qualified tax professional or the applicable government agency before making financial decisions.

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How Capital Gains Tax Works

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

2026 Long-Term Capital Gains Rates

0% rate: Single filers up to $49,450; Married Filing Jointly up to $98,900; Head of Household up to $66,200.
15% rate: Single filers $49,450 – $545,500; Married Filing Jointly $98,900 – $613,700; Head of Household $66,200 – $579,600.
20% rate: Income above the 15% threshold for each filing status.