What length of time you hold an investment before you sell it is called?

The length of time you hold an investment before selling it is called the "holding period." This period can vary significantly depending on the investor's strategy, with short-term investors typically holding assets for less than a year, while long-term investors may hold for several years or even decades. The holding period can also impact tax treatment of any gains, with different rates applying to short-term and long-term capital gains.