Bitcoin Timeline
Bitcoin's blockchain is a continuous record of every transaction since January 3, 2009. Each block is timestamped and linked to the previous one, creating an immutable timeline. This tool lets you explore when any block was mined, or find what block number corresponds to any date in Bitcoin's history.
How Block Dating Works
Bitcoin targets one block every 10 minutes on average, which means approximately 144 blocks per day (6 per hour × 24 hours). However, the actual time varies based on mining difficulty adjustments.
Block Height ≈ Days Since Genesis × 144For more accurate results, this calculator uses known milestone blocks (like halving events) as anchor points and interpolates between them.
Bitcoin Halving Schedule
Every 210,000 blocks (roughly every 4 years), the block reward is cut in half. This is called the "halving" and is a fundamental part of Bitcoin's monetary policy.
Notable Dates in Bitcoin History
- January 3, 2009 - Genesis block mined by Satoshi Nakamoto
- January 12, 2009 - First Bitcoin transaction: Satoshi sends 10 BTC to Hal Finney
- May 22, 2010 - "Bitcoin Pizza Day": 10,000 BTC paid for two pizzas (first real-world purchase)
- November 28, 2012 - First halving: reward drops from 50 to 25 BTC
- July 9, 2016 - Second halving: reward drops to 12.5 BTC
- May 11, 2020 - Third halving: reward drops to 6.25 BTC
- April 20, 2024 - Fourth halving: reward drops to 3.125 BTC
Bitcoin on Your Birthday
Want to know what block was being mined when you were born? Or find your "Bitcoin birthday block"? Just enter your birthdate above and discover what was happening on Bitcoin's timechain that day.
This is a fun way to connect your personal timeline with Bitcoin's history. You might find that you share a birthday with a halving event or another significant moment in Bitcoin's history!
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first Bitcoin block?
Block 0, called the "Genesis Block," was mined by Satoshi Nakamoto on January 3, 2009. It contains the famous message: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks."
How many Bitcoin blocks per day?
On average, 144 blocks are mined per day. Bitcoin targets one block every 10 minutes (6 per hour × 24 hours = 144). The difficulty adjusts every 2,016 blocks to maintain this average.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator uses known milestone blocks as anchors for accuracy. For dates between halvings, it interpolates based on actual timestamps. Results are approximate - the exact block depends on actual mining times which vary.
When is the next Bitcoin halving?
The fifth halving will occur at block 1,050,000, expected around 2028. The block reward will drop from 3.125 BTC to 1.5625 BTC.
What is the current Bitcoin block height?
As of early 2026, Bitcoin is past block 880,000. Use this tool with today's date to get an approximate current block height, or check a block explorer for the exact current block.
Why are blocks called a "timechain"?
Satoshi originally referred to Bitcoin's blockchain as a "timechain" because each block is timestamped and links to the previous one, creating a chronological chain of events. Some Bitcoiners prefer this original term.
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