BTC: $82,993 ▲ 0.5%ETH: $2,507 ▲ 0.9%Market Cap: $2.81T ▲ 0.7%24h Vol: $43.78BDominance: BTC 59.4% ETH 10.9%

Bitcoin price analysis

Latest read: 18 May 2026 · 3 reports

Latest analysis

Why Is Bitcoin Rising? The Key Drivers Behind BTC's 2026 Performance

Bitcoin is rising in 2026 primarily because of four converging forces: record institutional inflows through spot ETFs, the post-2024 halving supply reduction,...

Price
$82,988.20
24h
+0.52%
7d
-2.08%
30d
+8.42%
vs ATH
-34.18%
Read the latest analysis →

All Bitcoin analyses

  1. Why Is Bitcoin Rising? The Key Drivers Behind BTC's 2026 Performance
  2. How Bitcoin Supply Works: Halving, Mining Rewards, and the 21M Cap
  3. Bitcoin Explained: How It Works, What to Know & Why It Matters in 2026

Bitcoin FAQ

What is Bitcoin (BTC)?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized digital currency created in 2009 by an anonymous developer or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a peer-to-peer network, enabling direct transactions without intermediaries. All transactions are recorded on a public, immutable ledger called the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security.

How does Bitcoin mining work?

Bitcoin (BTC) uses a proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. The first miner to solve the puzzle receives newly minted bitcoins and transaction fees. This process secures the network, prevents double-spending, and introduces new BTC into circulation at a predictable rate.

What is the purpose of the BTC token?

The BTC token serves as a medium of exchange and a store of value. It can be used for online purchases, cross-border remittances, and as an investment asset. Its decentralized nature and capped supply of 21 million coins make it resistant to inflation and government control. BTC transactions are pseudonymous and irreversible, providing financial sovereignty to users.

How does Bitcoin differ from traditional currencies?

Bitcoin (BTC) differs from traditional fiat currencies by being decentralized and not issued by any central bank. Its supply is algorithmically capped at 21 million, preventing inflationary overproduction. Transactions are processed on a global network without intermediaries, enabling low-cost, near-instant transfers. Additionally, Bitcoin operates 24/7 and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection, unlike bank systems with limited hours and geographic restrictions.

What is the current price of Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is currently priced at $82,988.2, up 0.52% in the last 24 hours. It is ranked #1 by market capitalization. Over the past 7 days, BTC is down 2.08%.

What is Bitcoin's market cap?

Bitcoin has a market capitalization of $1.67T. The 24-hour trading volume is $12.80B, reflecting the total value of BTC traded across all exchanges in the last day.

How many Bitcoin coins are in circulation?

There are currently 20.10M BTC in circulation. Bitcoin has a maximum supply of 21.00M BTC, meaning no more than this amount will ever exist.

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