Capital Gain

The profit realised when an asset is disposed of for more than its cost basis. For crypto, the gain is the disposal proceeds minus the cost basis at the moment of disposal. Most jurisdictions distinguish 'short-term' gains (asset held for under a year — usually taxed as ordinary income) from 'long-term' gains (held longer — often taxed at lower rates). The categorisation and rates vary widely across jurisdictions. Losses can typically offset gains within the same tax year and sometimes carry forward.