Planning to invest in cryptocurrency? Or are you simply a crypto-enthusiast? In all cases, there are many jargons that you need to learn to understand cryptocurrency and blockchain- block height is one of them. Keep reading to understand the definition of block height and its related aspects.

Block Height Definition

A blockchain is a series of blocks that are shared on an immutable ledger and contains a specific amount of transactional data. Block height definition refers to the total number of blocks connected since the first block or genesis block. Besides that, a block height can also refer to the location of a transaction.

Understanding Block Height in Detail

A blockchain contains a sequence of blocks that has given it the name of a blockchain. Each block is a data unit that is responsible for maintaining a record of transactional information on the network. Also, these blocks contain a secure record of transactions that took place in the interval between the previous block.

Furthermore, the first block in the blockchain is known as the genesis block. Since there are no blocks before it, this block has a block height of zero- consider it the ground floor of the building. The block height of the blockchain is estimated by the height of the recently added block or the highest block in the blockchain.

For instance, take any blockchain: the very first block of it is known as "Genesis Block," which is located at a block height of zero. When you add a block to the chain, the block’s height will be considered height 1. Similarly, as more and more blocks are added to a chain, the height of the block will increase.

When Block Height is Used?

Now that you understand the block height definition understand when block height is used. Note that block height is the king of representation of time. Experts use it to measure the distance and maturity of the blockchain network. Let’s suppose the block height of a blockchain is 545,125 while its block time is around ten minutes. So, if you want to calculate the age of a blockchain, you can multiply the height by its time. Additionally, developers use block height and time to get a rough estimate of the time and date for the upgrade of the network.

Keep in mind that block height number is not something you can find in a block. However, nodes present across the blockchain network keep track of block height. Also, each block in the network contains a timestamp. If you want to know when a transaction occurred, check the block height of the blockchain containing the transaction record. This will give you an idea about the time stamps and other necessary information about the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wanted to learn more? We have compiled a list of questions- check them out.

Why is Block Height Important?

The block height helps to understand the length of the blockchain. This way, you can understand the acceptance the network enjoys among users and within the community.

What is a Node in Blockchain?

The node is responsible for spreading, storing, and preserving data. Hence, blockchain exists on nodes, making them the framework of the blockchain. To be precise, nodes are different types of devices like laptops, servers or computers.