JustChartsWhat Is the Bitcoin Halving and When Is the Next One?
The Bitcoin halving cuts the reward miners receive for each new block in half. It happens every 210,000 blocks — roughly every four years. The most recent halving, in April 2024, reduced the reward from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC; the next is expected around 2028, cutting it to 1.5625 BTC. Halvings slow the creation of new bitcoins until the 21 million maximum supply is reached, around the year 2140.
Key facts
- Frequency
- every 210,000 blocks (~4 years)
- April 2024 halving
- 6.25 → 3.125 BTC per block
- Next halving
- expected around 2028 → 1.5625 BTC
- Maximum supply
- 21 million BTC
- Last bitcoin mined
- around 2140
Halving history
| Halving | Block height | Reward per block |
|---|---|---|
| Launch (2009) | 0 | 50 BTC |
| November 2012 | 210,000 | 25 BTC |
| July 2016 | 420,000 | 12.5 BTC |
| May 2020 | 630,000 | 6.25 BTC |
| April 2024 | 840,000 | 3.125 BTC |
| Expected ~2028 | 1,050,000 | 1.5625 BTC |
Because the schedule is based on blocks rather than dates, the exact day of the next halving depends on how fast blocks are mined.
Why the halving matters
- Slower supply growth: new issuance falls by half overnight, making Bitcoin’s supply increasingly scarce — the core of the “digital gold” argument (see gold vs Bitcoin).
- Miner economics: miners’ income from new coins halves, so less efficient miners may shut down or sell reserves; transaction fees become more important over time.
- Market narrative: past halvings were followed by large bull markets within 12–18 months, but that is a small sample and other factors — interest rates, ETF flows, regulation — also played big roles.
A note of caution
The halving is known years in advance, so markets can price it in early. Leveraged traders around halvings should watch funding rates and liquidation risk as closely as the headlines.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Bitcoin halving?
It is expected around 2028, at block 1,050,000, when the reward falls from 3.125 to 1.5625 BTC per block. The exact date depends on block times.
Does the halving make Bitcoin go up?
Previous halvings were followed by bull markets, but there have only been four, and other factors also drove prices, so it is not a guarantee.
What happens when all 21 million bitcoins are mined?
Miners will be paid only through transaction fees. That is not expected until around 2140.
Put it into practice
Live charts, an economic calendar and trading calculators — free with a JustCharts account.
Open the live Bitcoin chartThis article is for education only and is not financial advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high risk of losing money. Contract sizes, trading hours and leverage limits vary by broker and country — always check your own broker’s specifications.