Introduction
Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, remains the largest and most influential digital currency globally. But how many Bitcoins exist, and how many are left to be mined? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Bitcoin's supply, mining process, and future.
How Many Bitcoins Are There?
As of now, there are 18,925,137 Bitcoins in circulation. This means nearly 19 million have already been mined. The number updates approximately every 10 minutes as new blocks are added to the blockchain.
How Many Bitcoins Are Left to Mine?
Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's creator, set a hard cap of 21 million Bitcoins. Specifically, the limit is 20,999,999,9769.
- Total supply cap: 20,999,999,9769 BTC
- Already mined: 18,925,137 BTC
- Remaining to mine: 2,074,836 BTC
👉 Discover Bitcoin mining strategies
What Is Cryptocurrency Mining?
Mining is the energy-intensive process of validating transactions and adding them to the blockchain. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems.
- Each solved problem processes one block (currently 6.25 BTC per block).
- Miners who solve the problem first are rewarded with new Bitcoin.
- Mining ensures decentralization and security in the Bitcoin network.
How Many Bitcoins Will Be Created?
The maximum supply is 21 million Bitcoins (technically 20,999,999,9769).
Bitcoin Mining Timeline
- Current daily mining rate: ~900 BTC
- Blocks mined per day: 144
- Expected last Bitcoin mined: 2140
👉 Learn about Bitcoin halving events
How Many Bitcoins Are Lost?
An estimated 3–4 million BTC are permanently lost due to:
- Forgotten passwords
- Lost hardware wallets
- Inaccessible private keys
These lost coins reduce effective supply, increasing scarcity.
What Happens After All 21 Million Are Mined?
Once all Bitcoins are mined:
- Block rewards end (no new BTC created).
- Miners will earn income from transaction fees.
- Bitcoin’s value will rely on scarcity and utility.
FAQ
1. How often is Bitcoin mined?
- A new block is mined every ~10 minutes, releasing 6.25 BTC (post-2020 halving).
2. Why is Bitcoin’s supply capped at 21 million?
- To enforce scarcity, mimicking precious metals like gold and preventing inflation.
3. Can Bitcoin’s supply limit change?
- No, the 21 million cap is hardcoded into Bitcoin’s protocol and requires network consensus to alter.
4. What happens if I lose my Bitcoin?
- Lost Bitcoin cannot be recovered, as transactions are irreversible and wallets are self-custodied.
5. How much Bitcoin is mined daily?
- Roughly 900 BTC (144 blocks × 6.25 BTC per block).
6. When will Bitcoin mining end?
- The last Bitcoin is projected to be mined in 2140, after which only transaction fees will reward miners.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins ensures long-term scarcity and value. With ~2.1 million left to mine and millions already lost, Bitcoin’s circulating supply will become even more limited over time. Understanding these dynamics helps investors and enthusiasts appreciate Bitcoin’s unique economic model.