A logarithmic measure of search space: n bits represent up to 2^n equally plausible candidates before other information narrows them.
Bits of entropy is best understood as part of a system rather than as an isolated definition. Its related coordinates show the mechanisms, incentives and historical records that give the term practical meaning.
Bits of entropy should be evaluated against a concrete threat model: what is protected, from whom, for how long and at what operational cost. A design may remove one dependency while introducing another, so custody, privacy and verification must be judged as a complete system.
Understanding Bits of entropy helps distinguish a verifiable Bitcoin mechanism or historical record from slogans, products and market narratives.
For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Cryptographic entropy, Brute-force search space, BIP 39, COLDCARD RNG incident (2026). The reverse links also lead from Cryptographic entropy, Brute-force search space.
Linked to related atlas coordinates
Grounded in source data
Explains function and trade-offs
Part of the open Bitcoin knowledge graph