Capital vs. Capitol: City or Building?

The Key Difference

• Capital = a city serving as seat of government; also wealth, uppercase letters, or “excellent”
• Capitol = the specific building where a legislature meets

Using Capital

“Capital” has multiple meanings:

As a city:

• “Paris is the capital of France.” ✓
• “What’s the capital of Montana?” ✓

As money or assets:

• “The startup needs more capital.” ✓
• “Capital gains are taxed differently.” ✓

As uppercase letters:

• “Start each sentence with a capital letter.” ✓

As an adjective meaning excellent or primary:

• “That’s a capital idea!” ✓
• “Capital punishment remains controversial.” ✓

Using Capitol

“Capitol” refers only to a building:

• “The Capitol dome is iconic.” ✓
• “Protesters gathered at the state capitol.” ✓
• “Tours of the Capitol are available daily.” ✓

In the United States, “Capitol” with a capital C typically refers to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Memory Trick

• Capitol has an O like the dome (O) on top of the building
• Capital covers everything else