When people first hear about Bitcoin, one of the most common questions is: How many Bitcoins are there, and can new ones always be created? To answer this, we need to understand one of the key features that makes Bitcoin unique: its limited supply.
Unlike traditional currencies that central banks can print endlessly, Bitcoin has a strict cap written into its code. The maximum supply is 21 million Bitcoins. This rule cannot be changed without a consensus across the entire Bitcoin network, making it extremely difficult to alter.
So, which of the following statements is true about Bitcoin’s supply?
- Bitcoin has an unlimited supply – false.
- Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million – True.
- New Bitcoins can be printed by governments – False.
- Bitcoin miners will always earn new Bitcoins forever – Not exactly. After the last Bitcoin is mined, miners will earn transaction fees instead.
This scarcity is one reason Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold.” Just like gold, there is only so much of it, and that limited nature drives its value.
Another important aspect is the halving process. Roughly every four years, the reward that miners receive for adding new blocks to the blockchain is cut in half. This ensures that Bitcoin’s supply grows at a predictable, decreasing rate until it finally reaches the maximum of 21 million coins—estimated around the year 2140.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin’s fixed supply is one of its strongest features. It protects against inflation, gives it rarity, and helps it maintain long-term value. While governments can print more dollars or euros, no one can ever print more than 21 million Bitcoins.
If you’re considering investing or just curious about how Bitcoin works, this limited supply is one of the most important factors to understand