Staking
Locking up your crypto to help run a blockchain network. In return, you earn rewards - like earning interest for helping keep the system running.
Example
Locking 32 ETH to become an Ethereum validator and earning about 4% yearly for processing transactions.
Related Terms
Core Concepts
⚙️How It Works
- 1
Choose Method
Decide between solo staking, staking pools, or liquid staking
- 2
Lock Tokens
Deposit your crypto into a staking contract or validator
- 3
Validate
Your stake helps secure the network by backing honest validators
- 4
Earn Rewards
Receive new tokens as rewards for helping secure the network
- 5
Unstake
Request withdrawal (may have a waiting period depending on the network)
📊Key Numbers
3-4%
ETH Staking APY
current approximate yield
30M+
Total ETH Staked
ETH locked in staking
32 ETH
Solo Stake Minimum
to run your own Ethereum validator
1-5 days
Unstaking Time
typical exit queue wait on Ethereum
⚖️Staking Methods Compared
| Feature | solo | pool | liquid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Amount | 32 ETH | 0.01 ETH | Any amount |
| Technical Skill | High | Low | Very Low |
| Rewards | Highest | Medium | Medium (minus fee) |
| Liquidity | Locked | Locked | Tradeable |
| Slashing Risk | You bear it | Shared | Shared |
🚀Getting Started
- 1For small amounts: Use liquid staking (Lido, Rocket Pool) - no minimum required
- 2For medium amounts: Join a staking pool that handles the technical setup
- 3For 32+ ETH: Consider solo staking for maximum rewards and decentralization
- 4Always research the slashing risks and lock-up periods before staking
- 5Start small to understand the process before committing larger amounts