Definition
Hash rate is a quantitative metric that measures the total computational power being applied to perform hashing operations in a blockchain network, typically for validating blocks and securing consensus. It is expressed as the number of hash computations performed per second and is commonly aggregated across all participating hardware contributing to a network’s proof-of-work or similar hash-intensive processes.
In Simple Terms
Hash rate is a way to measure how much computing power is working on a blockchain at any moment. It counts how many cryptographic calculations are being tried every second by all the machines involved, giving a snapshot of the overall strength of the network’s computational activity.
Context and Usage
Hash rate is most often referenced in discussions of proof-of-work blockchains, where it serves as a core indicator of network-wide computational intensity. It appears in on-chain analytics, mining statistics, and security assessments, and is tracked over time to observe changes in mining participation, hardware deployment, and overall computational engagement with a given blockchain protocol.