Why is the total amount of Bitcoin set at 21 million?

Bitcoin's limited supply of 21 million fosters its scarcity, creating a sense of urgency among investors and contributing to its resilience against inflation.

Feb 20, 2025 at 12:25 pm

Key Points:

• Bitcoin's limited supply aims to maintain its scarcity and value.
• Halving events progressively reduce the issuance of new Bitcoins.
• The finite supply fosters a sense of urgency among investors.
• Bitcoin's scarcity is believed to contribute to its resilience against inflation.
• The 21 million cap is a fundamental design feature that distinguishes Bitcoin from traditional currencies.

Why is Bitcoin's Total Supply Limited to 21 Million?

1. Scarcity and Value Preservation: The idea behind limiting Bitcoin's supply to 21 million is to maintain its scarcity relative to fiat currencies, which are subject to unlimited issuance and inflation. By limiting its supply, Bitcoin's creators aimed to preserve its value over the long term.
2. Halving Events and Progressive Reduction of Issuance: Every four years or so, Bitcoin undergoes a "halving" event, where the amount of Bitcoin generated by miners is halved. This progressive reduction of new Bitcoin issuance serves to further enhance its scarcity. The supply will continue to get halved until all 21 million Bitcoins have been mined.
3. Urgency of Investment: The finite supply of Bitcoin creates a sense of scarcity and urgency that drives investor demand. Knowing that the total supply is limited encourages investment and accumulation, as investors want to secure a piece of a shrinking pie.
4. Resilience Against Inflation: The scarcity of Bitcoin is believed to contribute to its resilience against inflation. Unlike fiat currencies, which can be devalued through excessive issuance, Bitcoin's limited supply makes it less susceptible to inflationary pressures. This aspect makes Bitcoin an attractive long-term investment option for those seeking shelter against inflation.
5. Network Security: In addition to maintaining scarcity, the fixed supply of Bitcoin plays a role in securing the network. Miners are incentivized to secure and maintain the integrity of the blockchain through the prospect of being rewarded with new Bitcoins. The finite supply of Bitcoin helps to ensure the network's long-term security.

FAQs:

Q: How many Bitcoins are in circulation?
A: As of July 2023, approximately 19.3 million Bitcoins are in circulation, out of the total supply of 21 million.

Q: What is the significance of the 21 million cap?
A: The 21 million cap represents the maximum number of Bitcoins that will ever exist. This fixed supply is a defining characteristic of Bitcoin that differentiates it from traditional currencies.

Q: Is the 21 million supply cap a rigid rule?
A: The 21 million supply cap is embedded in Bitcoin's source code and would require a global consensus and consensus rule change to alter. However, the probability of such an event is extremely low.

Q: Why was the supply cap set at 21 million?
A: The choice of the 21 million supply cap is believed to have been made by Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, as a deliberately scarce supply that would ultimately become even more scarce over time due to halving events.

Q: What happens when all 21 million Bitcoins have been mined?
A: When all 21 million Bitcoins have been mined, the issuance of new Bitcoins will cease, but the network will continue to operate. Miners will rely on transaction fees for incentives to maintain and secure the blockchain.