What Is a Blockchain Explorer?
A blockchain explorer (or block explorer) is a specialized website that allows users to search and view transactions, blocks, addresses, and other data on a blockchain. Unlike traditional web browsers like Chrome or Safari, blockchain explorers provide transparency into decentralized ledgers by displaying real-time transaction details.
This guide uses Blockchair, a popular multi-chain explorer, as an example. Since cryptocurrencies operate on separate public chains (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), users often need to track transactions across different networks. Blockchair simplifies this by supporting multiple chains and offering features like:
- Hashrate and mining difficulty
- Average transaction fees
- Simplified Chinese interface
How to Look Up Transactions
Key Search Methods (Using Bitcoin as an Example)
- Wallet Address
- Block Height
- Transaction ID (TxID or Hash)
For instance, searching the TxID 4a433a3fd5c0236987941f75895e6bdfe55f275cfc60f4632e8841d5962d6a82 in Blockchair reveals:
- Total amount: 162.6 BTC
- Block height: 580,391
- Transaction fee: 0.004205 BTC
3 Must-Know Phrases for Crypto Newbies
1. "Did you send the funds? Share the TxID!"
- Why it matters: The Transaction ID (TxID/Hash) is a unique identifier for tracking payments. Always request this to verify transfers.
👉 Learn how to verify transactions securely
2. "How long until Bitcoin’s next halving? Check the block height!"
- Key term: Height refers to the block number (e.g., Bitcoin’s 2020 halving occurred at block 630,000).
3. "Wait for more confirmations—it’s only at 5!"
- Confirmation count indicates how many blocks have validated a transaction. Exchanges often require 1+ confirmations for deposits.
Other Critical Transaction Details
- Inputs: Amount sent from the sender’s address.
- Outputs: Amount received by the recipient.
- Fee: Miner fee (Inputs − Outputs).
- Coin Days Destroyed (CDD): Measures dormant coins moved (calculated as
coins × days held).
Example: Moving 2 BTC held for 50 days = 100 CDD.
Top Blockchain Explorers
| Explorer | Supported Chains | Special Features |
|----------------|---------------------------|------------------------------------|
| BTC.com | BTC, ETH, BCH, LTC | Clean UI, multi-chain support |
| Etherscan | Ethereum only | ERC-20/721 tokens, DeFi analytics |
| Blockchain.com | BTC, ETH, BCH | #1 traffic rank (Alexa) |
FAQ Section
Q: How do I find my transaction hash?
A: Check your wallet’s transaction history or exchange withdrawal page.
Q: Why do confirmations take time?
A: Each confirmation adds security. High-value transfers may require more confirmations.
Q: What’s a ‘coin day’?
A: It quantifies how long coins were held before being spent (e.g., 1 BTC × 10 days = 10 CDD).
👉 Explore advanced blockchain tools
Final Notes
Blockchain explorers demystify crypto transactions—mastering terms like TxID and CDD boosts your confidence. Always double-check details before sharing sensitive data!
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments are volatile and risky. Conduct thorough research before trading.
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