Ethereum: How is the target section of a block header calculated?

How ​​the target section of the Ethereum block header is calculated

The Ethereum block header structure plays a key role in its scalability and security. At the heart of this structure is the target section, which determines the maximum amount of ether that can be mined in this block. In this article, we will look at how Ethereum calculates the target section of a block header.

Target calculation based on difficulty level

The target section of the Ethereum block header is calculated using a mathematical formula based on the current complexity level. The level of complexity refers to the number of computational demands required to solve the puzzle of the next block. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

• Current Difficulty: The current difficulty value is taken from the eth_block_header.blockHeader.difficulty field, which is retrieved using the eth_block_header object.

• Target range calculation: The target range calculation includes two factors: the maximum allowable hash rate and the number of available graphics cards (also known as «miners»). The formula used to calculate the target range is as follows:

target_range = max_hash_rate * num_miners

where max_hash_rate represents the maximum allowable hash rate, which is currently set at 50,000 TH/s. The number of miners is also taken from the eth_block_header.blockHeader.miningdifficulty field.

• Target Slot Calculation: After calculating the target slot, the Ethereum algorithm uses this value to determine the maximum amount of ether that can be mined in a given block. This is done by multiplying the target range by the number of available video cards:

target = max_hash_rate * number_of_miners

Target Partition Setup

As the complexity level changes, the target section of the Ethereum block header adjusts accordingly to maintain a balance between mining speed and scalability. As the difficulty level increases, more complex puzzles are required to solve the puzzle of the next block, which leads to higher hash rates. To compensate for this increase in complexity, the algorithm adjusts the target section of the block header, making it smaller.

Conversely, as the level of complexity decreases, solving the puzzle of the next block requires less computing power, and the target section can be increased accordingly. This regulation ensures that the Ethereum network remains scalable while maintaining a balance between mining speed and security.

Appendix

In summary, it can be said that the target section of the Ethereum block header is calculated using a mathematical formula based on the current level of complexity and the number of available video cards (miners). By adjusting this value to achieve a balance between mining speed and scalability, the Ethereum algorithm ensures that the network remains scalable while maintaining a high level of security. As the difficulty level increases or decreases, the target section will also be adjusted accordingly to ensure optimal performance.