Cardano
ADA Rank #17Price chart
What is Cardano?
Launch and development
Cardano began in 2015 under Charles Hoskinson and Jeremy Wood and launched in September 2017. IOHK, now IOG, developed the initial software. The Cardano Foundation supports the ecosystem, while EMURGO works on commercial adoption. Applications include decentralized exchanges, lending, digital identity and token issuance.
Ledger and consensus
Ouroboros selects block producers through Proof of Stake. ADA holders can delegate to stake pools while keeping control of their coins. The ledger uses an extended UTXO model that attaches data and validation conditions to transaction outputs. Plutus scripts implement smart-contract rules. Native tokens can be issued directly through the ledger's asset framework.
ADA supply and governance
ADA's maximum supply is 45 billion coins. Transaction fees and coins released from the reserve fund staking rewards and the treasury. ADA is also required for transaction fees and minimum balances associated with ledger outputs. Governance includes delegated representatives, stake-pool operators and a constitutional committee. Holders can delegate voting power to representatives who vote on protocol changes and treasury withdrawals.
Where to trade ADA
121 exchanges · top 10
Live spot quotes from connected exchanges
ADA funding rates
Live perpetual funding on every connected exchange. Positive = longs pay shorts.
Contracts & chains
Exact contract or mint per network — the identity layer used for DEX routing.
On-chain routes
Networks with a connected DEX routing adapter.