Free Capital Gains Calculator: Equity and Property
Estimate capital gains tax free. Holding periods and rates differ sharply by asset — here's what drives the number.
Capital gains tax in India is not one rule but several, and applying the wrong one produces an answer that is confidently wrong. The rate depends on what you sold, how long you held it, and when you bought it. Equity held beyond a threshold is treated quite differently from equity sold before it, and property has its own regime entirely.
Why a free capital gains tax calculator matters more in India
The holding period is the single most consequential variable, and it differs by asset class — the threshold separating short-term from long-term is not the same for listed equity, debt instruments and immovable property. Selling days before crossing a threshold can therefore cost significantly more tax than selling days after. Property adds further complexity through acquisition cost adjustments and exemption provisions for reinvestment. This is a domain where a generic calculator is a starting point and not an answer.
The best free options compared
At a glance
Of the 4 options below, 3 are fully free with no paid tier to upgrade to, and 1 offers a free tier alongside paid plans. That distinction matters more than it first appears: a fully free tool cannot restrict you later, whereas a free tier is a commercial decision that can be revised.
| Tool | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Department resources | Fully free | authoritative source on current rates, holding periods and exemptions |
| ClearTax capital gains calculator | Fully free | Handles common cases and states its assumptions, which lets you check whether your… |
| Your broker's tax report | Fully free | Most Indian brokers issue a capital gains statement covering the financial year with… |
| A chartered accountant | Free tier | Not free, and the honest recommendation where property, inherited assets or substantial… |
Each option in detail
Income Tax Department resources
✓ FREEThe authoritative source on current rates, holding periods and exemptions. Capital gains provisions have been amended repeatedly in recent budgets, so anything else may be out of date.
ClearTax capital gains calculator
✓ FREEHandles common cases and states its assumptions, which lets you check whether your situation actually fits them. Reasonable for straightforward equity transactions.
Your broker's tax report
✓ FREEMost Indian brokers issue a capital gains statement covering the financial year with short-term and long-term already separated. For listed equity this is usually more reliable than recalculating yourself.
A chartered accountant
◐ FREEMIUMNot free, and the honest recommendation where property, inherited assets or substantial sums are involved. The cost is small relative to the tax at stake and the consequences of getting it wrong.
Note on free tiers: limits and features change often. Everything here was checked in July 2026, but confirm current terms on the provider's own site before committing to a workflow. Official guidance: Income Tax Department GST Portal.
How to choose the right one
For listed equity and mutual funds, start with your broker's or fund house's capital gains statement, which reflects actual transactions. Use a calculator to sanity-check rather than to determine liability. For property, inherited assets, or anything where exemptions might apply, take professional advice — the interaction between acquisition cost, holding period and reinvestment exemptions is not something a web form models reliably.
If you are assembling a wider free toolkit, these related guides cover adjacent problems: Free SIP Calculator: Project Mutual Fund Returns, Free Income Tax Calculator India (Old vs New), Free GST Calculator: CGST, SGST and IGST.
Verdict
Broker statements are the most reliable free source for equity gains. For property or complex situations, a calculator will give you a number and it may well be wrong. Verify rates and holding periods against the Income Tax Department directly, since these have changed materially in recent budgets.
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See all Finance & Tax Calculators →Frequently asked questions
What is the holding period for long-term capital gains?
It differs by asset class — listed equity, debt instruments and immovable property each have their own threshold, and these have been revised. Check current provisions on the Income Tax Department site for your specific asset.
How is capital gains tax calculated on shares?
Broadly, sale value less acquisition cost and allowable expenses, taxed at a rate determined by the holding period. Specific provisions apply to equity acquired before certain dates. Your broker's statement usually handles this correctly.
Do I pay capital gains tax on inherited property?
Inheritance itself is generally not taxed, but selling inherited property triggers capital gains, with the original owner's acquisition cost and holding period typically relevant. The rules are involved — take professional advice.
Can I reduce capital gains tax legally?
Exemption provisions exist for reinvestment in specified assets, subject to conditions and time limits. Setting off losses against gains is also permitted within defined rules. Both require care, so consult a professional for anything substantial.