How crypto capital gains tax works
In most countries, selling, swapping or spending crypto is a taxable event. The tax is calculated on your capital gain — sale proceeds minus cost basis — not on the full sale amount. If you sell for $14,000 crypto that cost you $8,000, your taxable gain is $6,000, and tax applies only to that gain. Getting your cost basis right (including fees) directly lowers the tax you owe, which is why cost basis and tax calculations go hand in hand.
Short-term vs long-term rates
Holding period usually determines the rate. In the US, assets held one year or less are taxed at ordinary income rates (10–37%), while assets held longer than a year qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates (0%, 15% or 20% for most filers). Many other countries offer similar reductions for longer holds, and some exempt gains entirely after a holding period. Enter the rate that matches your situation; even a single day can move you from short-term to long-term.
Using losses to your advantage
If this calculator shows a capital loss, it is not wasted. Capital losses can offset capital gains from other trades, and in many jurisdictions a limited amount of net loss can offset ordinary income, with the remainder carried forward to future years. This is the basis of tax-loss harvesting — realising losses deliberately to reduce a tax bill — though some countries apply wash-sale style rules, so check yours.
This is an estimate, not tax advice
Real crypto tax depends on your total income, filing status, jurisdiction, holding period and the exact accounting method applied to each lot. This calculator gives a clean single-transaction estimate to help you plan and set aside cash for tax. Always reconcile with dedicated crypto tax software or a professional before filing. Crypto exchanges differ on maker/taker fees, funding rates and maintenance-margin tiers, and tax rules vary by country. Treat these results as a planning baseline and confirm against your exchange statements and a qualified tax professional before acting.
Frequently asked questions
How is crypto tax calculated?
Tax is applied to your capital gain — sale proceeds minus cost basis — at your applicable short-term or long-term rate, not on the total sale value.
Do I pay tax if I sell at a loss?
No tax is due on a loss, and the loss can usually offset other capital gains or, in some places, a limited amount of ordinary income, reducing your overall bill.
What is the difference between short and long-term crypto tax?
Short-term gains (assets held a year or less in the US) are taxed at higher ordinary income rates; long-term gains qualify for lower rates. Holding longer often reduces tax.
Is swapping one crypto for another taxable?
In most jurisdictions, yes. A crypto-to-crypto swap is a disposal of the first asset and triggers a capital gain or loss based on its value at the time.