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.

Capital Gain Calculator
Estimate a basic capital gain or loss and check whether the holding period is generally short-term or long-term.

What Is a Capital Gain?
A capital gain is the profit you generally earn when you sell an investment for more than your adjusted cost basis. If you sell it for less than your adjusted cost basis, you generally have a capital loss. Capital gains commonly apply to investments such as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, cryptocurrency, and certain real estate transactions.
Our Capital Gain Calculator helps you estimate your gain or loss by comparing your purchase price, selling price, purchase fees, and selling expenses. It is designed as an educational tool to help you understand how the calculation works before preparing your tax return.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a capital gain?
A capital gain is generally the profit you earn when you sell an investment for more than your adjusted cost basis.
What is a capital loss?
A capital loss generally occurs when you sell an investment for less than your adjusted cost basis.
Does this calculator calculate my taxes?
No. This calculator estimates your capital gain or capital loss. It does not calculate the tax you may owe.
Does this calculator include wash sale adjustments?
No. This calculator provides a simplified estimate and does not include wash sale rules or other special tax situations.
Can I use this calculator for stocks and ETFs?
Yes. It can be used as a general educational calculator for common investment sales such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.
Continue Learning
Learn how investment taxes work with our beginner-friendly guides and interactive tools.
