Key Takeaways
- Maximum supply: 45 billion ADA
- Current circulating supply: ~36 billion ADA
- No new ADA coins can be created beyond the maximum cap
Live Market Data
Current Price
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...24h Volume
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Market Cap
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Data updates every 30 seconds. Source: CoinGecko
Distribution Visualization
Network Statistics
Data updates every minute. Sources: Cardano Explorer, PoolTool API
Staking Mechanism
Basic Staking Facts
- Minimum Stake: No minimum requirement - you can stake any amount of ADA
- Lock Period: No lock period - you can withdraw your ADA at any time
- Custody: Your ADA remains in your wallet while staking
Note: This information represents the basic mechanics of Cardano staking. Returns vary based on multiple factors including pool performance and network conditions.
Supply Growth Over Time
31.1B
2017 Launch
33.5B
2020 Shelley
34.8B
2022 Post-Vasil
36B
2024 Current
Historical Timeline
September 2017 - Mainnet Launch
July 29, 2020 - Shelley Hard Fork
September 12, 2021 - Alonzo Hard Fork
Detailed Supply Comparison
| Cryptocurrency | Current Supply | Maximum Supply | Supply Model | Issuance Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardano (ADA) | 36B | 45B | Fixed/Deflationary | Staking Rewards |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | 19.6M | 21M | Fixed/Deflationary | Mining Rewards |
| Ethereum (ETH) | 120.5M | Unlimited | Dynamic | Staking + Burning |
| Solana (SOL) | 410M | Unlimited | Inflationary | Staking Rewards |
Expert Analysis
"Cardano's monetary policy is designed to find the right balance between making the system sustainable and making it attractive for stakeholders to participate in the ecosystem."
- Charles Hoskinson, Cardano Founder
"The fixed monetary policy of Cardano provides predictability for long-term ecosystem planning while the treasury system ensures sustainable funding for ongoing development."
- Frederik Gregaard, CEO Cardano Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cardano have a maximum supply of 45 billion ADA?
The 45 billion maximum supply was chosen to strike a balance between accessibility and scarcity. This number allows for wide distribution while maintaining value through controlled supply, similar to Bitcoin's model but at a different scale to accommodate Cardano's unique use cases and governance needs.
How does Cardano's inflation rate compare to other cryptocurrencies?
Cardano's inflation rate is designed to be predictable and decreasing over time, starting at 2.5% in years 1-4, reducing to 1.5% in years 5-8, and falling below 1% after year 9. This is generally lower than many other proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies and provides a more predictable monetary policy.
What happens to staking rewards after all ADA is distributed?
Once the maximum supply is reached, staking rewards will transition to being funded entirely by transaction fees, ensuring the network's long-term sustainability while maintaining the fixed supply cap of 45 billion ADA.
How does the treasury system affect ADA's supply?
The treasury holds approximately 2 billion ADA (4.44% of total supply) which is used to fund community projects and development through Project Catalyst. This ensures sustainable development without needing to create additional ADA beyond the maximum supply.
Security Best Practices
- 🔒 Use hardware wallets for long-term storage
- 🛡️ Enable 2FA on all exchange accounts
- ⚠️ Beware of phishing attempts and fake websites
- 📱 Never share private keys or seed phrases
- 💼 Diversify holdings across multiple wallets
Regulatory & Tax Considerations
- ⚖️ ADA is classified as a cryptocurrency asset in most jurisdictions
- 📑 Trading may be subject to capital gains tax
- 🏛️ Regulatory status varies by country
- 📋 Keep detailed records of all transactions
- 💡 Consult with a tax professional for guidance
⚠️ Important Risk Warning
- 📈 Cryptocurrency investments are subject to high market risk
- 📊 Past performance does not guarantee future results
- 💰 Only invest what you can afford to lose
- ℹ️ This content is for informational purposes only
- ⚖️ Not financial advice - consult with qualified professionals
Conclusion
Cardano's maximum supply of 45 billion ADA with 36 billion in circulation creates an optimal balance between accessibility and scarcity. The proof-of-stake consensus mechanism and structured tokenomics ensure long-term sustainability of the platform.
Data sources: Real-time market data from CoinGecko API, cross-verified with blockchain explorers. Updates every 30 seconds.
