Definition ∞ Available float is the portion of a cryptocurrency’s total supply that is readily available for trading on exchanges. This quantity excludes tokens held in cold storage, locked in staking contracts, or otherwise restricted from immediate market circulation. Understanding available float is crucial for assessing a digital asset’s true liquidity and potential for price volatility, as a smaller float can amplify price movements with relatively modest trading volumes. It represents the actual supply that can react to buying and selling pressure at any given moment.
Context ∞ The current discourse surrounding available float often centers on tokenomics models and how project teams manage supply distribution. News articles frequently cite available float figures to explain sudden price swings or to analyze the market manipulation potential of less liquid assets. Monitoring changes in available float provides insight into investor behavior and the maturity of a digital asset’s market.