Finality

Finality is the point after which a transaction can no longer be reversed. Bitcoin's is probabilistic (each confirmation makes reversal exponentially harde

Finality is the point after which a transaction can no longer be reversed. Bitcoin’s is probabilistic (each confirmation makes reversal exponentially harder); BFT chains like Cosmos finalize instantly once two-thirds of validators vote — one block, done, irreversible.

Why it matters

“Confirmed” means different things per chain: one Ethereum block is a strong hint, one Cosmos block is a guarantee. Exchanges set confirmation requirements from exactly this math. When speed matters — trading, bridging — finality time is the number to compare, not block time.

Related terms

consensus · block ·
transaction

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