Capital Gain Calculator

Estimate your capital gain or capital loss in seconds. Learn how gains are calculated using simple explanations and our free interactive calculator.

Calculate My Gain

Capital Gains Calculator: Estimate Your Gain or Loss

How to Use the Capital Gains Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate the gain or loss from selling an investment, property, stock, or other asset.

Enter the amount you paid for the asset, your selling price, and any applicable costs. The calculator will estimate whether you made a capital gain or a capital loss.

What Is a Capital Gain?

A capital gain happens when you sell an asset for more than your adjusted cost basis.

For example, if you bought an investment for $10,000 and later sold it for $15,000, your gain before adjustments would generally be $5,000.

What Is a Capital Loss?

A capital loss occurs when you sell an asset for less than your adjusted cost basis.

Capital losses may affect your taxes differently depending on the type of asset and your individual tax situation.

What Is Cost Basis?

Your cost basis is usually the amount you originally paid for an asset, but it may also include certain fees, commissions, improvements, or other adjustments.

Your cost basis is important because it helps determine your gain or loss when you sell.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

In general, the tax treatment of a capital gain can depend on how long you owned the asset.

Assets held for a shorter period may be taxed differently from assets held for a longer period.

For current federal rules and tax rates, check official IRS guidance.

Simple Example

Suppose you purchased stock for $5,000 and paid a $25 purchase commission. Later you sold the stock for $7,500 and paid a $50 selling commission.

Your estimated calculation would be:

• Purchase Price: $5,000
• Purchase Fees: +$25
• Adjusted Cost Basis: $5,025
• Sale Price: $7,500
• Selling Expenses: −$50
• Net Sale Proceeds: $7,450

Estimated Capital Gain

$2,425