Updated on April 23rd, 2025.

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The hash rate measures the computational power used in Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanisms, such as those employed by Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It represents the speed at which miners can verify blockchain transactions, contributing to the network’s security.

A higher hash rate generally indicates a more secure network, as more miners actively participate, making it harder for malicious actors to gain control. However, hardware efficiency, energy costs, and network congestion can influence mining profitability and the overall security landscape.

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Key takeaways:

• Hash rate measures mining speed, which is the computational power used to verify transactions in Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains like Bitcoin.
• As hash rates increase, the network automatically adjusts mining difficulty to maintain stable block times (~10 minutes for Bitcoin).
• A higher hash rate makes 51% attacks more difficult and costly.
• While higher hash rates improve the chances of mining rewards, they also raise costs, reducing profitability for smaller miners.

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What is a hash?

A hash is a fixed-length output (in Bitcoin’s case, a 256-bit number represented as a 64-character hexadecimal string) generated by a cryptographic hash function, such as SHA-256. Miners aim to find a valid block hash for every block in a PoW blockchain that meets the network’s difficulty requirements. An example of a Bitcoin block hash is:

000000000019d6689c085ae165831e934ff763ae46a2a6c172b3f1b60a8ce26f

Finding a valid hash is computationally intensive, requiring miners to test billions or trillions of nonce combinations. The first miner to find a valid hash adds the block to the blockchain and earns a reward (e.g., Bitcoin’s block reward).

What is the hash rate?

Hash rate is the number of hashes produced per second, and it is used to measure the computing power of mining rigs. It can also refer to the combined computing power of all network participants in the blockchain. A high hash rate indicates strong network participation in validating transactions, and vice versa.

Contrary to popular belief, crypto mining doesn’t involve complex computations. What crypto miners actually do is try to be the first to “guess” the correct target hash. As you can imagine, the possible combinations are almost unlimited since the target hash is composed of 64 digits and is randomly generated. A laptop or regular desktop computer would take a long time to arrive at the correct target hash.

To speed up the mining process, miners use powerful computers to brute force every possible combination. These mining rigs can try 1 billion hash combinations per second (gigahash/second) up to hundreds of trillions per second (terahash/second).

Hash rate measurements and units

When computing hash rates, the unit h/s (hashes per second) is used to gauge the speed of the machine used for crypto mining. Metric terms like kilo, mega, giga, tera, peta, and exa are used to distinguish the degree of the hash rate.

Unit	Hashes Per Second	Example Use Case
1 kilo hash per second (1 Kh/s)	One million hashes per second (1,000,000 h/s)	Obsolete CPU mining
1 mega hash per second (1 Mh/s)	One quadrillion hashes per second (1,000,000,000,000,000 h/s)	Early GPU miners
1 giga hash per second (1 Gh/s)	One billion hashes per second (1,000,000,000 h/s)	Small ASIC rigs
1 tera hash per second (1 Th/s)	One trillion hashes per second (1,000,000,000,000 h/s)	Modern Bitcoin miners
1 peta hash per second (1 Ph/s)	One quadrillion hashes per second (1,000,000,000,000,000 h/s)	Mining pools
1 exa hash per second (1 Eh/s)	One quintillion hashes per second (1,000,000,000,000,000,000 h/s)	The entire Bitcoin network

One thing to note is that hash rates vary depending on the cryptocurrency and the machine or equipment used to mine it. Different cryptocurrencies don’t have the same amount of hash power.

Common hash rate examples

• Individual miners: Modern ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) miners typically operate within the 100–270 TH/s (terahashes per second) range.
• Mining pools: Large mining pools contribute substantial hash power to the Bitcoin network. As of recent data, leading pools report hash rates such as:
  • Foundry USA(world’s largest Bitcoin mining pool by hashrate): Approximately 270 EH/s (exahashes per second)
  • AntPool: Around 171 EH/s
  • ViaBTC: Approximately 122 EH/s
    • Data source: Hashrateindex
• Bitcoin network: The total Bitcoin network hash rate has experienced significant growth. As of April 2025, the average daily hash rate is approximately 874 EH/s, with fluctuations based on network activity and mining participation.
• Other cryptocurrencies:
  • Litecoin (LTC): Utilizing the Scrypt algorithm, Litecoin’s network hash rate averages around 2.38 PH/s (petahashes per second).
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Operating on the SHA-256 algorithm, Bitcoin Cash’s network hash rate is approximately 3.34 EH/s.

💡Ethereum transitioned to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in September 2022, eliminating mining and hash rate measurements.

Why hash rate matters

1. Network Security

A higher hash rate means stronger security. It makes it extremely difficult and expensive for any single entity to launch a 51% attack.

For example, with Bitcoin’s current hash rate exceeding 800 EH/s(April 2025) overpowering the network would cost billion of dollars. This level of decentralization helps keep Bitcoin resilient and trustworthy.

2. Mining Profitability

A rising hash rate means more competition among miners. Miners must use powerful, efficient hardware like the Bitmain Antminer S21, which offers significant hash power at lower energy costs to stay profitable.

But hash rate alone doesn’t guarantee profit. Electricity costs are key. For instance, a rig producing 100 TH/s could still operate at a loss if local energy prices are too high.

3. Bitcoin Price Correlation

Hash rate and Bitcoin’s price often move in tandem. Historically, all-time highs in hash rate—like September 2024’s 827 EH/s—tend to precede price rallies. Why? A rising hash rate usually signals long-term confidence from miners investing in the network’s future. However, this correlation is not absolute and can be influenced by external factors like regulation or technological changes.

How to Measure Hash Rate

For Individual miners

To measure your own mining hash rate, start by checking your mining hardware’s specifications—usually listed in terahashes per second (TH/s). This will give you an estimate of the device’s maximum output.

You can also use mining software to monitor real-time performance. These tools display your rig’s current hash rate, uptime, and efficiency, helping you track profitability and spot potential issues.

For the entire network

Visit trusted blockchain explorers to view the hash rate of an entire blockchain network like Bitcoin. These platforms show live data on the network’s total hash rate, mining difficulty, and block statistics.

Mining pools also share the combined hash rate contributed by their members. Some of the largest pools today report hundreds of exahashes per second (EH/s), reflecting a significant share of the total network power.

What’s the relationship between hash rate and Bitcoin mining difficulty?

Mining difficulty measures how hard it is to find a new block on a blockchain network. It adjusts automatically to keep block times consistent as the network’s hash rate changes. The difficulty rises when the hash rate increases to prevent blocks from being mined too quickly.

Conversely, if the hash rate drops, the difficulty of maintaining target block times decreases. This relationship ensures the network remains stable and secure.

The difficulty adjustment occurs regularly, typically every 2,016 blocks for Bitcoin. This periodic recalibration helps balance the network’s performance as miners join or leave. The system also prevents rapid changes in transaction confirmation times, which could negatively impact user experience.

The role of hash rate in mining profitability

Hash rate directly impacts a miner’s ability to earn cryptocurrency rewards and manage operational costs. It reflects the computational power dedicated to Bitcoin mining, influencing both potential earnings and energy expenses.

Mining rewards

A higher hash rate increases a miner’s chances of successfully mining a block and receiving the associated block reward. As miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems, those with greater computing power have an advantage. This computational power is typically measured in hashes per second (h/s).

Mining hardware plays a crucial role in determining the hash rate. ASIC miners and high-end GPUs offer superior performance compared to standard computers. These specialized devices can process calculations much faster, improving a miner’s odds of earning rewards.

The block reward varies depending on the cryptocurrency being mined. For example, Bitcoin’s block reward halves approximately every four years, affecting the potential profitability of mining operations.

Energy consumption

Hash rate and energy consumption are closely linked in cryptocurrency mining. As miners strive for higher hash rates to improve their chances of earning rewards, they must also consider the increased energy costs associated with more powerful mining equipment.

ASIC miners and mining rigs consume significant amounts of electricity. This energy usage directly impacts operational costs and overall profitability. Miners must carefully balance the potential rewards against their energy expenses.

Efficient mining technology and software can help optimize energy consumption. Some miners relocate to areas with lower electricity costs to maximize profitability, while others explore renewable energy sources to reduce expenses and environmental impact.

Impact of the hash rates on the Bitcoin network

Hash rates directly affect cryptocurrency miners, whether they are mining on their own or via mining pools. That won’t be their only effect, though, as we’ll soon see:

Bitcoin’s relationship with hash rates

Over its history, Bitcoin’s hash rate has developed into a leading indicator of its price—an upswing in the hash rate implies that Bitcoin’s value will see similar improvements. 

This relationship has held mostly, the only difference being the crypto winter we are experiencing in 2022. The hash rate’s credibility as a leading indicator has not been affected. This is because the hash rate signals miners’ intentions. With more miners, confidence in the network increases as well. 

A potential signal for bullish behavior

As we mentioned earlier, Bitcoin’s hash rate parallels Bitcoin’s value. After all, an increase in Bitcoin’s hash rate increases the network’s efficiency and security.

This has led many to believe that hitting an all-time high hash rate means we should expect early signs of bullish behavior. This should be positive news for many of us waiting for the bear market’s end. 

Preventing a 51% attack

A 51% attack occurs when a single entity or group controls over half of a network’s hash rate. This level of control allows them to alter transactions and double-spend coins, potentially.

Higher hash rates make 51% attacks more challenging and expensive to execute. As the total network hash rate increases, the computational power required to gain majority control becomes prohibitively costly.

The immense hash rate for major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin makes such attacks virtually impossible. Smaller networks with lower hash rates are more vulnerable to these threats.

Health of the network

Hash rate serves as a key indicator of network health and stability. A high or increasing hash rate suggests robust miners’ participation and strong network security.

It reflects the computational power dedicated to validating transactions and securing the blockchain. More hash power means more miners are actively working to maintain the network’s integrity.

A declining hash rate may signal reduced miner interest or potential vulnerabilities. It could make the network more susceptible to attacks and decrease overall security.

Consistent growth in hash rate typically correlates with increased adoption, value, and confidence in a cryptocurrency’s long-term viability.

Historical evolution of hash rate

Since its inception, Bitcoin’s hash rate has undergone significant changes. These changes reflect advancements in mining technology and growing network participation.

Bitcoin’s hash rate growth

Bitcoin’s hash rate started modestly in 2009, with early miners using standard CPUs. By 2010, GPU mining emerged, increasing the network’s computational power. The introduction of FPGA miners in 2011 further boosted the hash rate.

A significant leap occurred in 2013 with the advent of ASIC miners. These specialized devices dramatically increased mining efficiency. The Bitcoin network’s hash rate surged, reaching new milestones annually.

Bitcoin halvings, occurring approximately every four years, have influenced hash rate trends. Despite reduced block rewards, the overall hash rate has continued to climb due to technological improvements and increased miner participation.

Impact of technological advancements

Technological progress has been the primary driver of hash rate growth. The shift from CPUs to GPUs marked the first significant leap in mining power. FPGAs then offered improved efficiency before ASICs revolutionized the industry.

ASIC miners have undergone multiple generations of improvements. Each new iteration has delivered higher hash rates while consuming less energy, allowing miners to maintain Bitcoin mining profitability even as difficulty increases.

The development of more efficient cooling systems has enabled the creation of large-scale mining operations. These facilities, often located in regions with cheap electricity, contribute substantially to the global hash rate.

Advancements in chip design and manufacturing processes continue to push the boundaries of mining hardware capabilities. This ongoing innovation ensures that Bitcoin’s hash rate growth remains upward.

Hash rates over time

A better way to understand the Bitcoin network is by looking at the history of its hash rate. Below is an overview of key trends. Over several months in 2021, Bitcoin’s value and hash rate increased simultaneously, with Bitcoin’s value skyrocketing to over $61,000 while the hash rate reached a little over 150 million TH/s. While initially proportional, Bitcoin’s price growth eventually outpaced its hash rate as the market matured.

All-time high

Bitcoin hashrate briefly hit a new record high of over 1,000 exahashes per second (EH/s) on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 underscoring the network’s strength and increased mining activity despite tightening crypto regulations and economic uncertainty.

👉Related: What are Bitcoin All time high prices

Hash rate variations across cryptocurrencies

Different cryptocurrencies exhibit distinct hash rate characteristics based on their underlying algorithms and network activity. These variations significantly impact mining efficiency and network security.

Bitcoin vs. altcoins

Bitcoin maintains the highest hash rate among all cryptocurrencies, often measured in exahashes per second (EH/s). As of April 2025, the Bitcoin network has experienced record difficulty adjustments, with the average hash rate rising to approximately 869.37 EH/s. 

These milestones indicate a significant increase in the computational power dedicated to mining Bitcoin, reflecting the network’s growing security and resilience. Altcoins generally have lower hash rates due to smaller networks and different mining algorithms.

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, eliminating traditional mining. Litecoin uses the Scrypt algorithm, with a hash rate typically measured in terrahashes per second (TH/s). Bitcoin Cash, a fork of Bitcoin, shares the SHA-256 algorithm but has a significantly lower hash rate.

Factors affecting the hash rate

Several factors influence hash rate variations across cryptocurrencies:

1. Mining difficulty
2. Network size
3. Hardware efficiency
4. Cryptocurrency price

Mining difficulty adjusts periodically to maintain consistent block times. The difficulty increases as more miners join a network, requiring higher hash rates to compete effectively. As more participants contribute computing power, the size of a cryptocurrency’s network directly correlates with its hash rate.

Advancements in mining hardware, such as ASICs, dramatically impact hash rates. Newer, more efficient equipment can significantly boost a network’s hash rate. Cryptocurrency prices also play a crucial role, as higher prices incentivize more miners to join, increasing the network’s hash rate.

What are the tools for tracking the hash rate?

Several tools and platforms allow cryptocurrency enthusiasts and miners to monitor hash rates effectively. These resources provide valuable insights into network performance and mining efficiency.

Hash rate calculators

Hash rate calculators are essential tools for miners to estimate potential earnings. These calculators consider the network hash rate, mining difficulty, and electricity costs. Popular options include WhatToMine and CryptoCompare.

Mining pools

Mining pools are crucial for tracking hash rates and distributing rewards among participants. These pools combine the computational power of multiple miners to increase the chances of solving blocks.

Many mining pools provide real-time statistics on individual and collective hash rates. This allows miners to monitor their contribution to the pool and overall network hash rate.

Popular mining pools like FoundryDigital and F2Pool offer user-friendly interfaces to track hash rates. These platforms often display graphs showing historical hash rate data and payout information.

Bitcoin Hash Rate FAQs

1. What does a high hash rate mean for Bitcoin?

A high hash rate signifies a secure and healthy Bitcoin network. It shows that miners are confident, and the network is well-protected against attacks. Historically, a rising hash rate has also lined up with bullish trends in Bitcoin’s price.

2. Why did Ethereum’s hash rate drop to zero?

Ethereum made the switch from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in 2022. That move eliminated mining altogether, replacing miners with validators. No mining means no hash rate.

3. How often does Bitcoin’s mining difficulty change?

The difficulty adjusts every 2,016 blocks, which is roughly every two weeks. This keeps the average block time close to 10 minutes, no matter how much the hash rate changes.

4. What happens if Bitcoin’s hash rate suddenly drops?

A sudden hash rate drop slows Bitcoin temporarily, but the network quickly adapts. While smaller PoW chains face real risks, Bitcoin’s sheer size and security mechanisms make it highly resistant to attacks, even during extreme volatility.

5. Is the hash rate a reliable indicator of Bitcoin’s price?

It’s a useful signal, but not a guaranteed predictor. Historically, new hash rate highs have preceded major price rallies (e.g., the 2023 hash rate surge before Bitcoin’s 2024 bull run). However, hash rate can sometimes decouple from price (e.g., during the 2022 bear market, when hash rate kept rising despite crashing prices.