Bitcoin Halving Dates: Complete History & Next Halving 2028 [Count down]
Bitcoin Halving Countdown
Bitcoin halving occurs approximately every 4 years (or every 210,000 blocks), cutting the mining reward in half. This built-in scarcity mechanism reduces the rate of new Bitcoin entering circulation. Historically, halvings have preceded significant bull runs — after the 2012, 2016, and 2020 halvings, Bitcoin reached new all-time highs within 12-18 months. The next halving in April 2028 will reduce block rewards from 3.125 to 1.5625 BTC, further tightening supply. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, many analysts anticipate increased price volatility and potential upward momentum as the halving approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin halving reduces mining rewards by 50 percent every 210,000 blocks (approximately 4 years)
- The most recent halving occurred on April 19, 2024, reducing rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC
- All four previous halvings have been followed by significant price appreciation within 12-18 months
- The next halving is expected in April 2028, reducing rewards to 1.5625 BTC per block
- Bitcoin’s maximum supply of 21 million coins will be fully mined by approximately 2140
What You Need to Know
Bitcoin halving is a programmed event built into Bitcoin’s source code that reduces the block reward miners receive by exactly 50 percent. This event occurs automatically every 210,000 blocks mined, which takes approximately four years. The halving mechanism was designed by Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, to control inflation and ensure Bitcoin’s total supply never exceeds 21 million coins.
The most recent Bitcoin halving took place on April 19, 2024, at block height 840,000. This halving reduced the block reward from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. Before this, halvings occurred in November 2012 (50 to 25 BTC), July 2016 (25 to 12.5 BTC), and May 2020 (12.5 to 6.25 BTC). Each halving has historically been followed by a significant increase in Bitcoin’s price, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
The next Bitcoin halving is expected to occur in April 2028 at block 1,050,000, reducing the reward to 1.5625 BTC per block. This process will continue until approximately the year 2140, when all 21 million bitcoins will have been mined. After this point, miners will earn only from transaction fees, not block rewards. Currently, about 19.5 million bitcoins have already been mined, representing over 93 percent of the total supply.
Overview
Bitcoin halving is one of the most significant events in the cryptocurrency market, directly impacting mining economics, supply dynamics, and historically, price movements. This research compiles all Bitcoin halving dates and analyzes their market impact to help investors understand this fundamental mechanism.
Complete Bitcoin Halving History
Since Bitcoin’s launch in January 2009, four halving events have occurred. Each halving cuts the block reward in half, progressively reducing the rate at which new bitcoins enter circulation.
| Halving | Date | Block Height | Block Reward | Price at Halving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Jan 3, 2009 | 0 | 50 BTC | $0 |
| 1st Halving | Nov 28, 2012 | 210,000 | 25 BTC | $12 |
| 2nd Halving | Jul 9, 2016 | 420,000 | 12.5 BTC | $650 |
| 3rd Halving | May 11, 2020 | 630,000 | 6.25 BTC | $8,572 |
| 4th Halving | Apr 19, 2024 | 840,000 | 3.125 BTC | $63,800 |
Historical Price Impact Analysis
Each Bitcoin halving has historically preceded significant price appreciation. This pattern is attributed to the reduction in new supply while demand remains constant or increases. However, correlation does not imply causation, and many other factors influence Bitcoin’s price.
Price Increase After Each Halving (Peak within 18 months)
Future Bitcoin Halving Schedule
Based on the current block production rate of approximately one block every 10 minutes, future halvings are projected as follows. Exact dates may vary based on actual network hash rate and block times.
| Halving | Expected Date | Block Height | Block Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Halving | ~April 2028 | 1,050,000 | 1.5625 BTC |
| 6th Halving | ~2032 | 1,260,000 | 0.78125 BTC |
| 7th Halving | ~2036 | 1,470,000 | 0.390625 BTC |
| Final Bitcoin | ~2140 | 6,930,000 | 0 BTC |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bitcoin halving?
Bitcoin halving is a pre-programmed event in Bitcoin’s code that reduces the mining reward by 50 percent every 210,000 blocks. It occurs approximately every four years and is designed to control Bitcoin’s inflation rate until all 21 million coins are mined.
When is the next Bitcoin halving?
The next Bitcoin halving is expected in April 2028 at block height 1,050,000. The exact date depends on block production speed but will occur approximately four years after the 2024 halving.
How many Bitcoin halvings have happened?
Four Bitcoin halvings have occurred since Bitcoin’s creation: November 28, 2012, July 9, 2016, May 11, 2020, and April 19, 2024. Each halving reduced the block reward by 50 percent.
Does Bitcoin halving increase the price?
Historically, Bitcoin’s price has increased significantly within 12-18 months after each halving. However, past performance does not guarantee future results, and many factors beyond supply reduction influence Bitcoin’s price.
What happens when all Bitcoin is mined?
When all 21 million bitcoins are mined (estimated around 2140), miners will no longer receive block rewards. Instead, they will earn only from transaction fees paid by users sending Bitcoin transactions.
Why does Bitcoin halving happen?
Bitcoin halving was programmed by Satoshi Nakamoto to create digital scarcity and control inflation. By reducing new supply over time, Bitcoin mimics precious metals like gold, which become harder to mine as deposits are depleted.
How many bitcoins are left to mine?
As of 2024, approximately 19.5 million bitcoins have been mined, leaving about 1.5 million bitcoins (roughly 7 percent) still to be created. Due to the halving schedule, it will take over 100 years to mine the remaining coins.
Methodology
Source: CoinLedger Bitcoin Halving Research, Bitcoin blockchain data
Data Period: January 2009 – November 2024
Block Data: Bitcoin blockchain explorer (mempool.space)
Price Data: Historical Bitcoin prices from CoinGecko