Capital Gains Tax Calculator
Estimate the federal tax on your stock sales. Enter your purchase price, sale price, holding period, filing status, and taxable income to see your estimated tax, effective rate, and net proceeds. Supports both short-term and long-term capital gains for all filing statuses.
Educational purposes only.
This is an estimate for federal taxes only. State taxes, the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax, and other factors are not included. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Educational purposes only. These calculators illustrate concepts and do not constitute investment advice. Read our disclaimer
StockCram is not a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial institution. All content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.How It Works
Enter your trade details
Purchase price per share, sale price per share, and number of shares.
Select holding period
Choose long-term (held more than 1 year) or short-term (held 1 year or less).
Enter your tax situation
Filing status and other taxable income to determine which tax bracket applies.
See your estimated tax
View estimated federal tax, effective rate, and net proceeds after tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capital gains are the profit from selling an investment for more than you paid. If you bought a stock at $50 and sold at $75, your capital gain is $25 per share. Capital gains are taxed differently depending on how long you held the investment.
Short-term capital gains apply to investments held for one year or less and are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate (10-37%). Long-term capital gains apply to investments held for more than one year and are taxed at reduced rates (0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your income). This is a significant tax advantage for holding investments longer.
Long-term gains are taxed at 0%, 15%, or 20% based on your total taxable income and filing status. Short-term gains are added to your ordinary income and taxed at your marginal rate (10-37%). High earners may also owe an additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax (not included in this calculator).
Capital losses can offset capital gains dollar for dollar. If your total losses exceed your gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 of net losses against ordinary income per year. Any remaining losses carry forward to future tax years indefinitely. This is sometimes called "tax-loss harvesting."
No. This calculator estimates federal taxes only. Most states also tax capital gains, often at your state income tax rate. Some states (like California) do not offer preferential rates for long-term gains. Check your state's specific rules or consult a tax professional for a complete picture.
The NIIT is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income (including capital gains) for individuals with modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator does not include the NIIT — add 3.8% to your estimate if you exceed these thresholds.