Bitcoin fees explained
Bitcoin transaction fees are commonly compared using satoshis per virtual byte, written as sat/vB. A transaction offering a higher effective fee rate is generally more attractive to miners when block space is in demand.
The appropriate fee depends on current network conditions and how quickly you want a transaction confirmed. There is no single fee rate that is permanently correct.
Use live mempool conditions
Fee estimates are more useful when considered together with the current mempool. A busy mempool can create more competition for limited block space, while quieter periods may allow lower-fee transactions to confirm sooner.
UnlockPool displays current fee recommendations together with block and mempool information so you can make a decision using current network context rather than a fixed fee table.
Why wallet fee estimates can differ
Wallets and explorers can use different estimation algorithms, confirmation targets and local mempool views. It is therefore normal to see small differences between fee recommendations.
Before sending an important transaction, consider both urgency and current conditions rather than automatically selecting the highest available fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does sat/vB mean?
sat/vB means satoshis per virtual byte and is a common way to compare Bitcoin transaction fee rates.
Do higher fees guarantee the next block?
No. A higher fee rate can improve competitiveness but cannot guarantee inclusion in a particular block.
Why do Bitcoin fees change?
Demand for block space changes over time, so transaction fee competition also changes.