Hash Rate

Definition ∞ The hash rate is a measure of the computational power dedicated to mining a cryptocurrency on a proof-of-work blockchain. It quantifies the number of hash calculations a mining network can perform per second. A higher hash rate generally indicates a more secure and robust network, as it requires more computational effort to disrupt.
Context ∞ News concerning the hash rate of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is frequently reported, as it serves as a key indicator of network security and miner confidence. Fluctuations in hash rate can signal changes in miner profitability, regulatory pressures, or the geographical distribution of mining operations. Monitoring this metric provides insight into the underlying economic incentives and the overall health of the proof-of-work consensus mechanism.