Bitcoin Halving Dates: Bitcoin Halving 2024

Zac McClure
ByZac McClure, MBAReviewed byArthur Teller, CPAUpdated on December 17, 2024 · minute read
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  • Bitcoin halving reduces new Bitcoin supply by half every four years, with the latest event in April 2024. These events limit Bitcoin's issuance, potentially impacting price and market dynamics.

  • Historically, Bitcoin halvings have influenced price movements, often leading to increased interest and speculation. As demand grows, key dates for future halvings are anticipated.

What is Bitcoin halving

Bitcoin halving is a fundamental rule built into Bitcoin’s code. It reduces the issuance of new Bitcoin by half roughly every four years. This process will continue until around 2140 when the total Bitcoin supply will reach its limit of 21 million coins.

Bitcoin’s controlled supply is crucial to its value, creating scarcity over time. The halving in April 2024 is a significant event that showcases how halving impacts Bitcoin’s price, as seen through increased investor interest and Bitcoin ETF investments.

How does Bitcoin halving work

Bitcoin halving events reduce the rewards miners earn for processing transactions by half. Each halving cuts the number of new Bitcoins entering circulation, creating scarcity that can impact Bitcoin’s price over time.

Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin’s issuance is finite, adding to its appeal as a scarce asset. With each halving, Bitcoin becomes more challenging to obtain, setting it apart from inflationary fiat currencies and reinforcing its role as “digital gold.”

When was the first Bitcoin halving

The first Bitcoin halving occurred on November 28, 2012, reducing the reward per block from 50 BTC to 25 BTC. This initial halving set the stage for Bitcoin’s unique supply structure and helped attract a broader audience to the cryptocurrency.

As each halving event cuts the supply of new Bitcoin, the digital asset’s scarcity is reinforced, contributing to its long-term value and reputation as a limited-supply asset.

When is the next Bitcoin halving

The next Bitcoin halving date is expected around 2028, reducing the mining reward further to 1.5625 BTC per block. As the date approaches, market sentiment often builds as investors anticipate the effect of reduced supply on Bitcoin’s price.

Each halving tightens Bitcoin’s supply, central to its appeal as a deflationary asset. This upcoming halving is of great interest to investors who see Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation.

Upcoming Bitcoin Halving Dates

Halving NumberDate (Approximate)Block NumberBlock Reward %BTC Mined
5th Halving20281,050,0001.5625 BTC98.44%
6th Having20321,260,0000.78125 BTC99.22%
7th Halving20361,470,0000.390625 BTC99.61%
8th Halving20401,680,0000.1953125 BTC99.80%

What is the significance of the Bitcoin halving

Bitcoin’s halving events are critical to its economic model. Each halving decreases the number of new Bitcoins entering circulation, limiting the supply and reinforcing Bitcoin’s reputation as a scarce digital asset.

The scarcity effect created by halving events often draws increased market attention. Investors and analysts closely monitor these events for potential price movements, as the reduced supply can influence demand and valuation.

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Bitcoin halving dates history

Bitcoin’s halving dates highlight the cryptocurrency’s structured supply reduction over time. Each halving has impacted the rate of new Bitcoin supply and has shaped the market in distinct ways.

Past Bitcoin Halving Events

Halving NumberColumn 2Block NumberBlock Reward %BTC MinedPrice on Halving Day (USD)
0 (Launch)Jamuary 3, 20090 (Genesis)50 BTC50%N/A
1st HalvingNovember 28, 2012210,00025 BTC75%$12.35
2nd HalvingJuly 9, 2016420,00012.5 BTC87.5%$650.53
3rd HalvingMay 11, 2020630,0006.25 BTC93.75%$8,821.42
4th HalvingApril 19, 2024840,0003.125 BTC96.88%$63,670.02

Will Bitcoin go up after halving

Due to the restricted supply, halvings have often coincided with price increases. Although this pattern has held in the past, other market factors, such as economic conditions, regulatory changes, and overall investor sentiment, influence Bitcoin's price.

The scarcity effect of halving often raises demand, but market volatility can still lead to fluctuations. Investors should consider both historical patterns and current conditions when assessing potential outcomes.

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Bitcoin hits $100,000: a major moment for cryptocurrency

In December 2024, Bitcoin passed $100,000 for the first time, marking a pivotal milestone in its evolution. This achievement underscores growing investor confidence and heightened interest from institutions, reinforcing Bitcoin’s position as a leading digital asset in the global financial system.

Learn more in our crypto outlook.

What happens to Bitcoin miners

Halving events can be challenging for crypto mining because they reduce the rewards per block mined. As these rewards decrease, miners increasingly depend on transaction fees to support operations.

With each halving, transaction fees will likely play a more prominent role in miner revenue. This shift requires miners to optimize efficiency, adapt to changes, and explore new ways to remain competitive.

Bitcoin halving FAQs

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Zac McClure
Zac McClureCo-Founder & CEO at TokenTax
Zac co-founded TokenTax after his career in international finance and accounting at JPMorgan, Imprint Capital and Bain. He has worked in more than half-dozen countries and received his MBA from the UPenn Wharton School.
Arthur Teller
Reviewed byArthur TellerCOO (Former) at TokenTax
Arthur came to TokenTax after 12 years at KPMG. A specialist in partnership taxation and enterprise tax software, he is a licensed CPA in both California and Illinois and a member of the AICPA.

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