What is a Satoshi?
A satoshi (often abbreviated as sat) is the smallest unit of Bitcoin. Just like a dollar can be divided into 100 cents, one Bitcoin can be divided into 100 million satoshis. The unit is named after Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin.
The mathematical relationship is simple: 1 BTC = 100,000,000 sats. This means 1 satoshi equals 0.00000001 BTC.
Why Use Satoshis Instead of Bitcoin?
As Bitcoin's price has grown, talking in whole Bitcoins for everyday transactions has become impractical. Instead of saying "0.00015 BTC," it's much easier to say "15,000 sats."
This is especially important for:
- Lightning Network payments - Most Lightning transactions are small, making sats the natural unit
- Micropayments - Tipping, streaming payments, and pay-per-use services
- DCA (Dollar Cost Averaging) - Tracking small, regular purchases
- Gaming and apps - In-app currencies and rewards
How to Convert USD to Satoshis
The conversion formula is straightforward:
Satoshis = (USD Amount ÷ BTC Price) × 100,000,000For example, if Bitcoin is trading at $100,000:
- $1 USD = 1,000 sats
- $10 USD = 10,000 sats
- $100 USD = 100,000 sats
Our converter does this calculation automatically using real-time Bitcoin prices, so you always get accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many satoshis are in one Bitcoin?
There are exactly 100,000,000 (one hundred million) satoshis in one Bitcoin. This number will never change - it's built into Bitcoin's code.
What is a satoshi worth in USD?
The value of a satoshi in USD changes with Bitcoin's price. At $100,000 per BTC, one satoshi equals $0.001 (one tenth of a cent). At $50,000 per BTC, one satoshi equals $0.0005. Use the converter above to see the current value.
How much is 1000 sats in dollars?
At a Bitcoin price of $100,000, 1000 sats equals $1.00. At $105,000 per BTC, 1000 sats equals about $1.05. The exact value depends on the current Bitcoin price.
How much is $100 in satoshis?
At a Bitcoin price of $100,000, $100 equals 100,000 sats (0.001 BTC). As Bitcoin's price fluctuates, this number changes. Use our converter for real-time calculations.
What is the symbol for satoshi?
There's no official symbol, but the community commonly uses "sat" or "sats" as abbreviations. Some also use the lightning bolt emoji or propose using "₿" with smaller text.
Can you buy satoshis directly?
Yes! Many exchanges and apps now allow you to buy Bitcoin in satoshi amounts. Cash App, Strike, and most Bitcoin wallets let you purchase any amount - even just a few dollars worth of sats.
What is a millisatoshi (msat)?
On the Lightning Network, payments can be even smaller than one satoshi. A millisatoshi is 1/1000th of a satoshi. However, when settling on the Bitcoin blockchain, amounts are rounded to whole satoshis.
Why is it called a satoshi?
The satoshi is named after Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin who published the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008 and mined the first block in 2009. Their true identity remains unknown.
How do I send satoshis?
You can send satoshis using any Bitcoin wallet. For small amounts, the Lightning Network is ideal - it allows instant, nearly free transfers. Traditional on-chain Bitcoin transactions work too but have higher fees for small amounts.
Is stacking sats a good investment strategy?
"Stacking sats" refers to regularly buying small amounts of Bitcoin over time (dollar-cost averaging). Many Bitcoiners prefer this approach over trying to time the market. It's a personal financial decision - do your own research.
What's the difference between sats and bits?
A "bit" (or microbitcoin) equals 100 satoshis. So 1 BTC = 1,000,000 bits = 100,000,000 sats. Satoshis have become the more popular unit in the Bitcoin community, especially for Lightning Network users.
Where does the price data come from?
This converter uses real-time Bitcoin price data from major cryptocurrency exchanges including Coinbase and Kraken. Prices refresh automatically every minute.
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