Learn how transaction fees work on different networks
Gas is the fee you pay to use a blockchain network. It goes to validators who process your transaction.
- Prevents spam attacks
- Incentivizes validators
- Allocates scarce block space
Gas Units: Computational work required
Gas Price (Gwei): What you pay per unit
Total Fee: Gas units × Gas price
Example: 21,000 gas × 30 gwei = 630,000 gwei = 0.00063 ETH
- Network congestion (more users = higher fees)
- Transaction complexity (simple transfer vs smart contract)
- Time of day (weekends often cheaper)
Timing: Use etherscan.io/gastracker to find cheap times
Layer 2s: Use Arbitrum, Optimism, Base for 10-100x cheaper
Batch transactions: Some protocols let you combine actions
Set limits: Don't overpay - set max fee you're willing to pay
Solana: Fractions of a cent
Polygon: Usually <$0.01
Base/Arbitrum/Optimism: Usually $0.01-0.50
Bitcoin: $1-50 depending on congestion
If a transaction fails, you still pay gas! The network did the work. Always ensure you have enough balance and set appropriate gas limits.