Every four years, something big happens in Bitcoin: the block reward gets cut in half. This is called the Bitcoin halving, and it’s one of the most important events in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Here’s what it is – and how you can track it in real time.
What Is the Halving?
Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins. New bitcoins are created as rewards for miners. Every 210,000 blocks – roughly every four years – this reward is cut in half. This slows the rate of new Bitcoin issuance and reinforces scarcity.
Why It Matters
Historically, halvings have had a major impact on Bitcoin’s price. With fewer new coins entering circulation, supply pressure drops – and if demand stays the same or increases, prices often follow.
Next Halving Date
The next halving is expected around April 2028 – but the exact date depends on block production speed. That’s why countdown trackers exist.
Best Halving Countdown Tools
- BitcoinBlockHalf – Clean, accurate countdown with halving history and projections.
- BuyBitcoinWorldwide – Halving timer plus background info and charts.
- NiceHash Halving Countdown – Visual and up-to-date block stats.
Pro Tip
You don’t need to obsess over the halving – but understanding how it works gives you insight into why Bitcoin is different from inflationary fiat currencies.