How to Create an Ethereum Wallet Address From a Private Key

An Ethereum wallet is a software application enabling users to manage their Ethereum accounts on the blockchain. It facilitates transactions, smart contract interactions, and decentralized app (dApp) usage. Wallet security hinges on private keys—exclusive cryptographic codes granting access to funds.

Types of Ethereum Accounts

1. Externally Owned Account (EOA):

   • Controlled by a private key.
   • Can initiate transactions (e.g., ETH transfers).
   • No built-in smart contract code.

2. Contract Account:

   • Governed by smart contract logic.
   • Requires ETH deposits to activate.
   • Cannot initiate transactions (lacks private keys).

Popular wallets: MetaMask, Coinbase, MyEtherWallet.

Core Concepts

Ethereum Wallet Address

A 42-character alphanumeric identifier (e.g., 0xdB055...a73) used to send/receive ETH. Derived from a public key, which originates from a private key.

Private Key

• A 256-bit secret number securing wallet access.
• Generates public keys → Ethereum addresses.
• Irreversible process: Cannot derive private keys from addresses.

Why Private Keys Matter

• Enable secure transactions.
• Generate shareable public addresses without exposing funds.

Prerequisites

1. Node.js (Installation guide).
2. Visual Studio Code (with CodeRunner extension).

Method 1: Using ECDSA

Steps

1. Convert Private Key to Hexadecimal
   Example:

   • Decimal: 99609413211026217191848487601459650900609461714685306780198554267270848908445
   • Hex: DC38EE117CAE37750EB1ECC5CFD3DE8E85963B481B93E732C5D0CB66EE6B0C9D

2. Install Packages

   npm init --y
   npm install ethereumjs-wallet keccak js-sha3

3. Code Implementation

   const { ethers } = require("ethers");
   const privateKey = "DC38EE117CAE37750EB1ECC5CFD3DE8E85963B481B93E732C5D0CB66EE6B0C9D";
   const wallet = new ethers.Wallet(privateKey);
   console.log("Address:", wallet.address);

   Output: 0xc5ed5d9b9c957be2baa01c16310aa4d1f8bc8e6f

Method 2: Node.js Packages

Steps

1. Install Tools

   npm install ethereum-private-key-to-public-key ethereum-public-key-to-address

2. Code Implementation

   const { privateKeyToPublicKey } = require("ethereum-private-key-to-public-key");
   const publicKey = privateKeyToPublicKey(Buffer.from("4f3edf983ac636a65a842ce7c78d9aa706d3b113bce9c46f30d7d21715b23b1d", "hex"));
   console.log("Public Key:", publicKey.toString("hex"));

   Output: Public key → Convert to address using ethereum-public-key-to-address.

FAQs

1. Can I recover a lost private key?

No. Private keys are non-recoverable—always back them up securely.

2. Is sharing my Ethereum address safe?

Yes. Addresses are public identifiers; private keys must remain confidential.

3. How are smart contracts addressed?

Contract accounts use public keys but lack private keys for transaction initiation.

👉 Explore advanced wallet security tips

Summary

• Private Key → Public Key → Ethereum Address.
• Use ECDSA or Node.js packages for conversion.
• Secure private keys at all costs.

For more blockchain guides, check out our comprehensive tutorials.