Skip to main content

How Does a Public Key Relate to a Cryptocurrency Address?

A cryptocurrency address is a shorter, more user-friendly representation of the public key, often generated through a series of hashing and encoding steps. For example, in Bitcoin, the public key is hashed with SHA-256 and then RIPEMD-160, and finally encoded with Base58Check.

This process adds a checksum to prevent typographical errors. Users share the address to receive funds, maintaining the privacy of the full public key until the first transaction.

How Does the Block Time of a Blockchain Influence the Confirmation Waiting Period?
Explain the Concept of “Hashing” and Its Role in Creating a Public Address
How Does a Shorter Expiration Date Affect an Option’s Premium?
How Does a Public Key Relate to a Private Key?