Bitcoin halving explained: what it is and why it matters
Every four years the Bitcoin miner reward halves. What the halving is, past halvings, what changed in 2024, and why it doesn't guarantee a price rise.
- Checked against the rules: Oct 2026
- Sources cited · No buy or sell calls
What gets halved
New bitcoin enters circulation as a reward to miners, who secure the network by adding blocks about every ten minutes. Bitcoin's rules cut this reward in half every 210,000 blocks, roughly every four years.
| Year | Reward per block |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 50 BTC |
| 2012 | 25 BTC |
| 2016 | 12.5 BTC |
| 2020 | 6.25 BTC |
| 2024 | 3.125 BTC |
Why it exists
The halving is how Bitcoin limits supply. Because the reward keeps halving, the total number of bitcoin will never exceed 21 million. The last fractions are expected to be mined around 2140.
Does it make the price go up?
Less new supply can matter if demand stays the same or rises. Past halvings were followed by large price increases within a year or two, but they also coincided with other big events. Markets know when halvings are coming, so some effect may already be priced in. A halving is not a guarantee of anything.
What it means for miners
Miners earn half as much new bitcoin overnight. Less efficient miners may shut down, and the network's security budget relies more and more on transaction fees over time.
For Indian investors
The halving doesn't change how bitcoin is taxed: 30% plus cess on gains and 1% TDS on sales. Crypto tax in India. Check today's price on the Bitcoin page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Bitcoin halving?
It's expected around 2028, when the block height reaches 1,050,000. The exact date depends on how fast blocks are found.
Will Bitcoin's price rise after the halving?
No one knows. Past halvings were followed by rises, but other factors played a part and history may not repeat.
Sources
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