#BitcoinHashRateSurge What Is Hash Rate?

Hash rate is the measure of the computational power of a proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrency network, group, or individual. It is used to determine the mining difficulty of a blockchain network, gauge security, estimate network energy use, and determine network participation. It is also used to adjust these blockchains' puzzle-solving difficulty.

Hash rate is an important indicator of a blockchain network's overall security and power. The more miners in a blockchain network competing to mine blocks, the less likely a malicious attack on the network will occur. Hash rate also affects the mining difficulty of a given blockchain. Some blockchains increase the difficulty of mining a block as the hash rate increases. This means that crypto networks with very high hash rates may be nearly impossible for individual miners to compete in.