BullWhat is the Bitcoin halving?
Every 210,000 blocks, the number of new bitcoins paid to miners for each block is cut in half. This is written into Bitcoin's code and is the reason only 21 million bitcoins will ever exist.
How the countdown works
The countdown reads the current block height and counts the blocks left until the next multiple of 210,000. Bitcoin aims for one block every 10 minutes, so the estimated date assumes 10 minutes per block. Real block times vary, so the date moves a little over time.
Past halvings
| Halving | Block | Date | Reward after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 210,000 | November 2012 | 25 BTC |
| 2nd | 420,000 | July 2016 | 12.5 BTC |
| 3rd | 630,000 | May 2020 | 6.25 BTC |
| 4th | 840,000 | April 2024 | 3.125 BTC |
| 5th | 1,050,000 | Expected 2028 | 1.5625 BTC |
Curious how the halving affects miners? Try the Bitcoin mining calculator.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Bitcoin halving?
The countdown above shows the live estimate. The fifth halving happens at block 1,050,000, expected in 2028.
Why does the estimated date change?
Blocks are not found exactly every 10 minutes, so the estimate is updated from the real block height.
When will the last bitcoin be mined?
Around the year 2140, when the block reward becomes too small to divide further.
Results are estimates for education only and are not financial advice. Always check the numbers on your exchange before you trade.
Bitcoin Halving Explained: What Happens Every Four Years
What the Bitcoin halving is, why it happens every 210,000 blocks, how it affects miners and supply, and what to keep in mind about price.