Confirmation

A confirmation is each additional block built on top of the one containing your transaction — more confirmations, exponentially harder reversal. Exchanges

A confirmation is each additional block built on top of the one containing your transaction — more confirmations, exponentially harder reversal. Exchanges commonly require 3–6 for Ethereum, more for Bitcoin; each confirmation is the network re-voting that your payment is permanent.

Why it matters

“Confirmed” on-screen and *settled* are different things: one confirmation on a small chain is weaker than one on Bitcoin. Match confirmation patience to value at stake — coffee money needs one, house money deserves a dozen — and remember instant-looking UX is often the app trusting early, not the chain finalizing fast.

Related terms

transaction ·
finality · block

Browse all glossary terms · Start a free course