Capital Gains Tax Calculator (2026)
Selling an investment at a profit? Estimate the federal tax on the gain using 2026 rates, see how holding for more than a year changes the bill, and find what you keep after tax.
Estimated federal tax on this gain
How to use the capital gains calculator
- Enter what you paid (your cost basis, including purchase fees) and the sale price, plus any selling fees.
- Choose whether you held the asset for more than a year.
- Enter your other taxable income for the year (after deductions) so the gain is taxed at the right rate.
Short-term vs long-term capital gains in 2026
Gains on assets held one year or less are short-term and taxed as ordinary income, at your regular bracket rates from 10% to 37%. Gains on assets held more than a year are long-term and get lower rates: 0%, 15% or 20%.
For 2026 the 0% long-term rate applies while taxable income is up to $49,450 for single filers ($98,900 married filing jointly, $66,200 head of household). The 15% rate runs up to $545,500 single ($613,700 jointly, $579,600 head of household), and 20% applies above that. Long-term gains stack on top of your other income, so part of a large gain can fall in one rate and the rest in the next; this calculator splits it for you.
Higher earners may also owe the 3.8% net investment income tax on investment income above $200,000 of modified AGI ($250,000 jointly). The calculator approximates that threshold. Losses can offset gains, and up to $3,000 of net losses a year can offset ordinary income. Collectibles and some real estate gains have special rates not modeled here. Estimates use 2026 federal figures published by the IRS. This is an educational estimate, not tax advice.
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Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to hold for long-term rates?
More than one year, counted from the day after you bought to the day you sold.
Can I pay 0% on capital gains?
Yes. Long-term gains that fall within the 0% band (taxable income up to $49,450 single or $98,900 joint in 2026) are untaxed federally.
Is crypto taxed the same way?
Yes. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, so the same short- and long-term rules apply.
What about selling my home?
Up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 jointly) on a main home can be excluded if you owned and lived in it for two of the last five years. Enter only the taxable portion here.