# What is the transaction capacity of Liquid?

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/what-is-the-transaction-capacity-of-liquid
Updated: 2026-04-09T09:37:53.000Z
Category: Liquid Network
Section: FAQs

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Transaction capacity describes the maximum number of transactions achievable by a network in a certain amount of time. While Liquid enables faster transactions than Bitcoin due to a higher block production frequency and two-block transaction finality, its overall transaction capacity is similar to that of the Bitcoin [blockchain](https://glossary.blockstream.com/blockchain/).

## Block Size and Frequency

Liquid blocks have exactly the same maximum block weight as Bitcoin, but are ten times as frequent (on average). 

|                          | **Bitcoin**             | **Liquid**       |
| ------------------------ | ----------------------- | ---------------- |
| **Block Weight**         | 4vMB                    | 4vMB             |
| **Block Interval**       | 10 minutes (on average) | 1 minute (fixed) |
| **Blocks Per Hour**      | 6                       | 60               |
| **Transaction Finality** | Cumulative              | Two blocks       |

As Liquid blocks are signed by the Liquid functionaries in a round-robin and not produced through Bitcoin’s [proof-of-work](https://glossary.blockstream.com/proof-of-work/), there is very little variability in block intervals. Therefore, the Liquid sidechain usually produces 60 blocks per hour.

## Transaction Size

Liquid uses [Confidential Transactions](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/how-does-liquid-keep-my-transaction-data-confidential), a feature that hides the asset type and transaction amount shown on the Liquid blockchain from third parties. This is great for improving users’ confidentiality, but the extra cryptography required results in transactions that are larger than a regular Bitcoin transaction.

Due to the larger transactions, a Liquid block can include fewer transactions than a Bitcoin block. But because Liquid’s block production frequency is higher than that of Bitcoin, its overall resulting transaction throughput (transactions per second) is greater than on the Bitcoin mainchain.

## Comparing Transaction Capacities

As shown in the table below, the transaction sizes on Bitcoin and Liquid can vary quite a bit, but overall, Liquid will be able to support a larger quantity of transactions per hour than Bitcoin. 

|                                | **Bitcoin**                                | **Liquid**                                  |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Typical Transaction Weight** | 250-450 vbytes                             | 1,625-2,500 vbytes                          |
| **Transactions per Block**     | 2,000-4,000                                | 400-600                                     |
| **Transactions per Hour**      | 12,000-24,000 (assuming 6 blocks per hour) | 24,000-36,000 (assuming 60 blocks per hour) |
| **Transactions per Second**    | 3-6 (assuming 6 blocks per hour)           | 7-10 (assuming 60 blocks per hour)          |

In addition to the extra capacity, Liquid’s shorter block intervals allow for faster confirmation times. This makes the network especially suitable for traders who rely on time-sensitive transactions.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Liquid Network > What is the transaction capacity of Liquid?

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- [How do transaction fees on Liquid work?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/how-do-transaction-fees-on-liquid-work)
- [What is the transaction capacity of Liquid?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/liquid-network/faqs/what-is-the-transaction-capacity-of-liquid) (current)
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