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Long vs short-term gains calculator

What waiting for the lower rate saves.

Built and reviewed by Dovanic, Founder and editor, FreeByteLast reviewed: 2026-08-18
$
32%
15%

Saved by holding

$3,400

Long-term tax

$3,000

With these inputs, saved by holding comes to $3,400 over 32 years. Long-term tax works out to $3,000. The result assumes short-term rate stays at 32%.

Short-term tax
$6,400

Over time · by short-term rate

What moves the number · Saved by holding

Input−10%Now+10%
Gain$3,060$3,400$3,740
Short-term rate$2,760$3,400$4,040
Long-term rate$3,700$3,400$3,100

Solve for an input

Whatmakesequal

Compare scenarios

Save this set of inputs, change something, then save again to compare the outcomes side by side.

What waiting for the lower rate saves.

A worked example

Starting figures

Gain
$20,000
Short-term rate
32%
Long-term rate
15%

What it returns

Saved by holding
$3,400
Long-term tax
$3,000
Short-term tax
$6,400

How to read the results

With the defaults above, saved by holding works out at $3,400.

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