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 2026 brackets. Calculates in your browser.

Before deductions: the standard deduction for your filing status is subtracted for you.

Estimated capital-gains tax

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Capital gain-
Other income after standard deduction-
Effective rate-
Net after tax-

Show the math

Gain is proceeds minus what you paid; the rate depends on holding period:

gain = proceeds − cost basis

taxable other income = other income − standard deduction

long-term: 0% / 15% / 20% stacked on your taxable other income

The 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single · $32,200 joint · $24,150 head of household) comes off your other income first; any part it doesn't use shelters the gain.

Long-term gains use 2026 breakpoints from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (0% to $49,450 single / $98,900 joint, then 15%, then 20% above $545,500 single / $613,700 joint). 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 standard deduction comes off your other income first, and the long-term rate depends on your total taxable income, with the gain stacking on top.

How to use it

  1. Enter your sale proceeds and cost basis.
  2. Choose the holding period and enter your other income before deductions.
  3. Choose your filing status.
  4. 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 single filer with $60,000 of wages has $43,900 of taxable income after the $16,100 standard deduction. On a $10,000 long-term gain, the first $5,550 fills the 0% band (up to $49,450) and the other $4,450 is taxed at 15%, about $668 in all.

Sources & methodology

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 (after the standard deduction) across the 0%, 15%, and 20% breakpoints: for 2026, 0% up to $49,450 single ($98,900 joint, $66,200 head of household) and 20% above $545,500 single ($613,700 joint, $579,600 head of household).

What income should I enter?

Your other income for the year before deductions, such as wages and interest. The calculator subtracts the 2026 standard deduction for your filing status; if your income is below it, the unused part shelters some of the gain.

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.