21MERIDIAN 2140
46 / 104STALE

Stale block

A valid block that loses a temporary race and is not part of the most-work chain.

A valid block that loses a temporary race and is not part of the most-work chain.

A valid block that loses a temporary race and is not part of the most-work chain. This coordinate is placed in the wider system through its protocol, economic and historical relationships.

Understanding Stale block helps distinguish a verifiable Bitcoin mechanism or historical record from slogans, products and market narratives.

01

Linked to related atlas coordinates

02

Grounded in a source record

03

Explains function and trade-offs

04

Part of the open Bitcoin knowledge graph

DOC · 001Bitcoin Developer Guide — Stale BlocksDocumentation
Reviewed 25 July 2026Source-first · No investment advice