- A proposal wants to remove the decimal places from Bitcoin.
- Critics warn a unit change may confuse users and increase errors.
Bitcoin advocate John Carvalho introduced a new Bitcoin Improvement Proposal that seeks to redefine the cryptocurrency’s unit of measurement.
The proposal suggests replacing the current structure — where one Bitcoin equals 100 million satoshis — with a system that makes the smallest indivisible unit, the satoshi.
Under Carvalho’s proposal, “one Bitcoin” would now mean what is currently understood as one satoshi — one one-hundred-millionth of a Bitcoin.
This change would eliminate the need for decimal places, presenting Bitcoin values in whole integers.
For example, what is now shown as 0.00010000 BTC would be displayed as 10,000 bitcoins.
Carvalho argues this redefinition would reduce confusion, align Bitcoin’s display with its integral protocol, and make the currency easier to understand for unfamiliar users.
“The decimal point is merely a human-imposed abstraction,” the proposal states.
The bits debate
This is not the first time the community has debated changes to Bitcoin’s unit structure.
In 2017, Jimmy Song proposed BIP 176, which introduced “bits” as a standard denomination.
Song’s proposal aimed to simplify small transactions by moving away from confusing fractional BTC displays.
This is all part of a long-standing debate on concerns about accessibility and user error in Bitcoin transactions.
Critics of both ideas caution that shifting the unit structure could confuse users, increase the risk of mistakes in transactions, and create logistical challenges for wallets and exchanges already built around the current system.
Kyle Baird is DL News’ Weekend Editor. Got a tip? Email at kbaird@dlnews.com.
