Bitcoin Mining Explained
Learn how new coins are created and the network stays secure
Block Reward
Miners earn this reward approximately every 10 minutes when they successfully mine a new block.
Average Block Time
Target time is 10 minutes (600 seconds). This timing ensures predictable block creation regardless of network hashrate.
Difficulty Adjustment
Next adjustment at block 899,136, with 1960 blocks remaining.
Network Hashrate
The total computing power securing the Bitcoin network, representing massive energy investment and security.
Mining is crucial to Bitcoin's security and operation. Without mining, Bitcoin couldn't function as a decentralized currency.
Security
Mining secures the network against attacks. To manipulate the blockchain, an attacker would need more computing power than all honest miners combined.
Distribution
Mining is how new bitcoins are created and distributed fairly. This creates a predictable, transparent monetary supply.
The energy used in mining isn't wasted—it's what makes Bitcoin valuable and secure without requiring trust in any central authority.
Mining vs. Running a Node
What is Mining?
Bitcoin mining is the process of creating new bitcoins by solving extremely complex computational math problems that validate and secure transactions on the network.
Key Characteristics:
- Requires specialized hardware (ASICs)
- Consumes significant electricity
- Miners compete to solve puzzles and earn rewards
- Secures the network through proof-of-work
- Creates new bitcoins and processes transactions