Miner
A Bitcoin miner is a computer that collects transactions into a block and searches for a block hash below the network's target, which is proof of work.
A computer racing to find the next block by guessing numbers until one gives a hash low enough. The winner collects the new coins and the fees in that block.
What does a miner actually compute?
It hashes the 80-byte block header twice with SHA-256, changes a number in it (the nonce) and tries again, trillions of times a second. A hash below the target is rare, so finding one proves the work was done, and anyone can check it with one hash.
What does a miner earn?
The block reward: newly issued bitcoin (3.125 BTC per block since April 2024) plus every fee in the block. It can only spend that reward after 100 more blocks.
Sources
Updated 10 Oct 2026
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