Financial glossary
Capital Gain
In plain English
The amount by which proceeds from selling a capital asset exceed its adjusted cost basis, before applicable netting and tax rules.
Capital gain
A capital gain generally occurs when a capital asset is sold for more than its adjusted cost basis. Sale proceeds are not automatically the gain; basis and transaction adjustments determine the difference.
Gains and losses are classified by holding period and then netted under tax rules. A holding period of one year or less generally produces a short-term result, while more than one year generally produces a long-term result. Net short-term gains usually use ordinary income rates. Most net long-term gains use preferential federal rate bands.
Special maximum rates and exclusions can apply to collectibles, depreciated real property, qualified small-business stock, a principal residence, and other assets.
The capital gains tax calculator estimates regular federal tax attributable to entered net gains after the user has already determined their short- and long-term amounts.
Related calculators
- 2026 Capital Gains Tax CalculatorEstimate 2026 federal tax on short- and long-term capital gains using ordinary brackets and the 0%, 15%, and 20% long-term thresholds.
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