Capital Gains Tax Calculator (US 2025)
Estimate federal tax on profit from selling stocks, crypto or property, short-term against long-term, plus the 3.8% investment tax.
Why how long you hold matters
Profit on an asset held a year or less is taxed like ordinary income, at rates from 10% to 37%. Profit on an asset held longer than a year gets lower long-term rates of 0%, 15% or 20%. The calculator shows both so you can see what waiting is worth.
How the rate is chosen
Your gain is stacked on top of your other taxable income. The part of the gain that falls below the 2025 0% limit ($48,350 single, $96,700 joint) pays nothing. The next part, up to $533,400 single or $600,050 joint, pays 15%. Anything above pays 20%. High earners also pay a 3.8% net investment income tax on gains above $200,000 single or $250,000 joint of total income.
Limits
It does not model losses, the home-sale exclusion, collectibles rates, qualified small business stock or cost basis rules. It is an estimate, not tax advice.
Tax year: US 2025. Rates and limits are updated every year. Source: IRS: capital gains and losses (Topic 409). Last reviewed November 2026.
Tips and common mistakes
- Waiting past one year can cut the federal rate by more than half.
- Selling in a low-income year can put part of the gain in the 0% zone.
- Offset gains with losses from other sales to lower the bill.
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Which year is this?
2025 brackets and long-term thresholds.
What is the net investment income tax?
A 3.8% tax on investment income when your income is above $200,000 single or $250,000 joint.
Does it include the home-sale exclusion?
No. Up to $250,000 of home profit ($500,000 joint) can be tax-free if you qualify.
What about crypto?
In the US it is taxed like other property, so the same rules apply.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is a planning estimate.
Money guides for this topic
All guides →Capital Gains Tax Explained: Short vs Long Term
How selling an investment is taxed, why holding for over a year can cut the rate, and how to estimate the bill before you sell.
Read guide →Investing for Beginners: A Simple Plan with the Numbers
A plain-English starter plan for investing: low-cost index funds, regular contributions and why fees matter.
Read guide →Compound Interest Explained (and Why Starting Early Wins)
How compound interest works, the rule of 72, and a simple example showing why time matters most.
Read guide →Related calculators
Inflation Calculator
See what today's money could buy in the future, and how inflation reduces your purchasing power.
Open calculator →ROI Calculator
Work out your return on investment as a percentage and as an annual rate.
Open calculator →Dividend Income Calculator
Estimate dividend income over time as the payout grows each year.
Open calculator →Results are estimates and not financial advice.