Block Time
The average time between new blocks being added to a blockchain.
In-Depth Explanation
Bitcoin targets 10-minute blocks; Ethereum produces blocks every 12 seconds; Solana aims for 400ms. Shorter block times mean faster transaction inclusion but may reduce security (less time for propagation). Block time affects user experience, finality speed, and chain design. Actual times vary around targets based on network conditions.
Related Terms
Blockchain
A distributed, immutable ledger that records transactions across a network of computers using cryptographic linking.
Finality
The guarantee that a transaction cannot be reversed or altered once confirmed.
Consensus Mechanism
The method by which a blockchain network agrees on the current state of the ledger and validates new transactions.
More in Infrastructure
View all →Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Layer 1
L1The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.