Tokenomics
Max Supply
The maximum total amount of a cryptocurrency that will ever exist, establishing scarcity and capping inflation.
Last Updated
2026-03-19
Related Concepts
What is Max Supply?
Max supply is the absolute limit on tokens that will ever be created for a cryptocurrency, hardcoded into the protocol to enforce digital scarcity.
How does Max Supply work?
New tokens are released via mining or staking rewards on a decreasing schedule until the cap is reached. After that, no new tokens can ever be created.
Why does Max Supply matter?
It gives investors predictability around dilution. Unlike fiat currencies that can be printed indefinitely, a hard cap creates a deflationary model as demand grows.
Key features of Max Supply
- Hardcoded in the protocol
- Prevents unlimited inflation
- Creates digital scarcity
- Requires network consensus to change
Examples of Max Supply
- Bitcoin has a
21 millionmax supply. - Litecoin is capped at
84 millionLTC. - Cardano's max supply is
45 billionADA. - Ethereum has no hard max supply.