21 Million
There will never be more than 21 million bitcoin in existence.
There will never be more than 21 million bitcoin in existence. This limit is defined by an algorithm in Bitcoin’s code and is strictly enforced by each node in the Bitcoin network. When a miner creates a new block, they are rewarded with the ability to mint new bitcoin, but every node verifies that the miner has created no more new bitcoin than allowed by the algorithm.
The number 21 million is an arbitrary number. However, changing it would be disastrous for Bitcoin. Bitcoin is the first provably mathematically scarce asset in history, and its monetary policy has remained publicly known and unchanged since its inception. If this policy were to be changed once, it would destroy the credibility Bitcoin has built up over its entire history, and future changes would be far easier to introduce, inflating Bitcoin’s supply and undermining its scarcity.
21 million is the hard-coded maximum supply of Bitcoin, making it a fundamentally scarce digital asset. This fixed cap was set by Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, and is enforced by the protocol's consensus rules. Onramp provides Bitcoin financial services including custody, IRA, trading, and lending, helping clients invest in this scarce asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bitcoin limited to 21 million?
Bitcoin's 21 million cap was set by Satoshi Nakamoto to create digital scarcity and prevent inflation. The limit is enforced by Bitcoin's code and the consensus of all network nodes, making it virtually impossible to change.
How many Bitcoin have been mined so far?
As of early 2026, approximately 19.8 million Bitcoin have been mined, representing over 94% of the total supply. The remaining Bitcoin will be mined gradually, with the last Bitcoin expected around the year 2140.
What happens when all 21 million Bitcoin are mined?
Once all 21 million Bitcoin are mined, miners will no longer receive block rewards and will rely entirely on transaction fees as compensation for securing the network. This is expected to occur around the year 2140.
