# Proof of Work

> A way to secure a blockchain by making computers do a lot of calculation. Used by Bitcoin.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/proof-of-work
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

Proof of work is the original method for keeping a blockchain honest. Computers compete to find a solution to a puzzle, and the winner gets to confirm the next block of transactions.

The puzzle is hard to solve but easy to check, so everyone else can quickly verify the answer. This is what makes attacking the network expensive: you would need more computing power than everyone else combined.

## Related terms

- [Mining](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/mining): Using computers to add new transactions to a blockchain and earn newly created coins as a reward.
- [Hash Rate](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/hash-rate): How much total computing power is securing a proof-of-work network like Bitcoin.
- [Consensus](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/consensus): The way a blockchain's computers agree on which transactions are valid and which version of the ledger is correct.
- [Bitcoin](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/bitcoin): The first cryptocurrency. A digital money you can send anywhere in the world without a bank, secured by a network of computers.

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