BitcoinMadeClear

What is the Bitcoin halving?

The halving is a rule that cuts the new bitcoin allowed in a block in half. It changes the creation of new bitcoin, not the amount already in your wallet.

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What does that mean for you?

An accepted mining block can claim a new-coin amount, called the subsidy, along with transaction fees. The halving reduces the subsidy. It does not cut every part of the miner's payment in half, because fees are separate.

This is part of Bitcoin's supply rules. It is not a decision made by a central account manager and does not require holders to exchange their bitcoin for a replacement coin.

What is the Bitcoin halving?Before the change: A new-coin allowance per block. After the change: Half that new-coin allowance. Existing bitcoin: Not divided by the halving.Before the changeA new-coin allowance per blockAfter the changeHalf that new-coin allowanceExisting bitcoinNot divided by the halving
Before the change: A new-coin allowance per block. After the change: Half that new-coin allowance. Existing bitcoin: Not divided by the halving.

Can you picture an example?

Imagine your wallet shows a balance before a halving. The halving itself does not divide that balance or send some of it away. It changes how much new bitcoin later blocks may create.

What should you remember?

A supply rule does not set a market price. This page does not predict what people will offer for bitcoin after a halving. You can understand the rule without treating it as a reason to buy or sell.

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