#explain-card
The [[Nakamoto coefficient|Nakamoto Coefficient]] is a fundamental metric for evaluating the decentralization of blockchain networks. Named after [[Bitcoin]]'s pseudonymous creator [[Satoshi nakamoto|Satoshi Nakamoto]], this metric represents the minimum number of entities that would need to collude to disrupt the network's operations.
A higher Nakamoto Coefficient indicates greater decentralization and network resilience. For example, a coefficient of 7 means at least 7 different entities would need to cooperate to potentially censor transactions or execute a 51% attack. This metric is particularly important for assessing:
- [[Proof of stake|Proof of Stake]] networks (by [[Validator|validator]] stake distribution)
- [[Proof of work|Proof of Work]] networks (by mining pool distribution)
- Governance systems (by voting power distribution)
To calculate the Nakamoto Coefficient:
1. Identify the critical subsystem being measured (mining, validation, governance)
2. Determine the minimum threshold of control needed (typically 33% or 51%)
3. Rank all participants by their share of power/stake
4. Cumulatively add the largest participants until reaching the threshold
5. The number of participants at this point is the Nakamoto Coefficient
You can explore real-time Nakamoto Coefficient data for various blockchains at [NakaFlow.io](https://nakaflow.io/), which provides up-to-date metrics for supported chains.