BitcoinMadeClear

Is there a limit to bitcoin?

Yes. Bitcoin's current rules cap the total supply at 21 million BTC. Checking computers reject blocks that create more new bitcoin than those rules allow.

Updated

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What does that mean for you?

The cap describes permitted creation over the life of the system. It is not the balance held by an organisation or the amount available to buy at a particular moment.

New bitcoin is allowed through mining according to the rules. Some existing bitcoin may be inaccessible because the information needed to spend it has been lost. Lost access does not create permission to replace it with new coins.

Is there a limit to bitcoin?Supply cap: 21 million BTC under current rules. Accessible amounts: Depend on control of keys. Market price: Not guaranteed by the cap.Supply cap21 million BTC under current rulesAccessible amountsDepend on control of keysMarket priceNot guaranteed by the cap
Supply cap: 21 million BTC under current rules. Accessible amounts: Depend on control of keys. Market price: Not guaranteed by the cap.

Can you picture an example?

Imagine someone loses all copies of the keys for an amount. The record can still show that amount. The supply rule does not increase to make up for the loss.

What should you remember?

Scarcity and value are different questions. A cap does not promise that anyone will accept bitcoin or offer a particular price. Similar coin names may use entirely different supply descriptions.

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