21 Million

Bitcoin has a fixed supply limit of 21 million coins, a core element of its monetary policy designed to ensure scarcity and prevent inflation. This maximum supply is hard-coded into Bitcoin’s protocol, meaning no more than 21 million bitcoins will ever be created. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, which governments can print in unlimited quantities, Bitcoin’s capped supply makes it inherently deflationary. Over time, this scarcity helps protect Bitcoin’s value against debasement and inflation.

This 21 million cap is fundamental to Bitcoin’s appeal as “digital gold.” By limiting the total number of coins, Bitcoin creates a store of value that is resistant to manipulation and dilution. As demand increases and the fixed supply remains constant, Bitcoin’s scarcity can lead to appreciation, encouraging long-term holding and making it an effective savings technology in the digital era. This contrasts sharply with fiat money systems, where inflationary pressures and currency devaluation are common.

The supply limit also shapes how new bitcoins enter circulation. Bitcoins are introduced through a process called mining, where participants validate transactions and earn block rewards. Over time, these rewards reduce through scheduled “halving” events, gradually slowing bitcoin issuance until the full 21 million coins have been mined—expected around the year 2140. This predictable issuance schedule further reinforces trust in Bitcoin’s monetary policy and its role as a reliable, inflation-resistant asset.