Bitcoin is not just one big number—it’s made up of many smaller units designed to make transactions easier as its value increases. In this guide, we’ll break down the different Bitcoin units, explain how they work, and show you how to convert them in a user-friendly way.
What Are Bitcoin Units?
Bitcoin operates on a decimal system to allow for microtransactions, which is essential as Bitcoin becomes more valuable. Instead of dealing with fractions, Bitcoin is divided into smaller units. The smallest unit is called a satoshi, named after Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.
| You Have… |
Equals in Satoshis |
| 1 BTC |
100,000,000 sats |
| 0.1 BTC |
10,000,000 sats |
| 0.01 BTC |
1,000,000 sats |
| 0.001 BTC (1 mBTC) |
100,000 sats |
| 0.000001 BTC (1 μBTC) |
100 sats |
| 0.00000001 BTC |
1 satoshi |
Understanding Each Unit in Detail
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
The most recognized and traded unit, Bitcoin (BTC) is used when discussing the overall market value. It’s the unit you see on exchanges and charts. When you hear “Bitcoin price,” it is generally in BTC.
2. Millibitcoin (mBTC)
Millibitcoin represents one-thousandth of a BTC (0.001 BTC). This unit is especially useful for everyday transactions when the price of 1 BTC is high. For instance, if 1 BTC equals $20,000, then 1 mBTC would be worth roughly $20.
3. Microbitcoin (μBTC)
Also known as a “bit,” Microbitcoin (μBTC) is one-millionth of a Bitcoin (0.000001 BTC). This unit is perfect for very small transactions or microtips. It allows users to pay or receive very small amounts that would otherwise be impractical if converted directly in whole bitcoins.
4. Satoshi
The satoshi is the smallest unit of Bitcoin, where 100,000,000 satoshis equal 1 BTC. Many online converters and calculators display amounts in satoshis, making it easier to see small fractions of a Bitcoin’s current value. For example, if 1 BTC is $20,000, then 1 satoshi would be worth about $0.0002.
Understanding Bitcoin units is essential for anyone using or investing in BTC. As adoption spreads, smaller units like satoshis, μBTC, and mBTC will become more common in pricing and transactions.
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