Is short-term always worse than long-term?

Usually, but the exact difference depends on your ordinary taxable income and the size of the gain.

Capital Gains Tax Calculator — Short-term capital gains

Short-term gains are added to ordinary taxable income in this estimate, so the tax depends on which 2026 federal ordinary-income brackets the extra gain crosses.

Federal capital gains estimate

Sale price ($)Cost basis ($)Selling costs ($)Holding period (months)Other taxable income ($)Filing status

Estimated federal tax

$5,700

Long-term capital gain

Breakdown

Taxable proceeds$118,000.00

Gain$38,000.00

Blended tax rate15%

Why short-term gains can jump quickly

A short-term gain is taxed like ordinary income in this calculator, not at the lower long-term gain schedule.

The estimate compares ordinary federal tax before and after the gain, which shows the incremental tax caused by the sale.

Questions

Is short-term always worse than long-term?: Usually, but the exact difference depends on your ordinary taxable income and the size of the gain.

More ways to use this calculator

Start with the main capital gains tax calculator or compare the other published scenarios.

Main calculator Long-term capital gains

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