# How Does the Concept of "Pruning" Allow a Full Node to save Storage Space? ⎊ Path

**Published:** 2025-12-04
**Author:** Greeks.live
**Categories:** Path

---

## How Does the Concept of “Pruning” Allow a Full Node to save Storage Space?

Pruning is a feature that allows a full node to discard the historical transaction data of fully spent UTXOs once they have been verified and confirmed. The node retains only the block headers and the current, unspent UTXO set (UTXO database).

This drastically reduces the required disk space, as the vast majority of blockchain data consists of spent transaction outputs. Pruned nodes still contribute to network security by validating new blocks.

- [Can a Pruned Node Serve Historical Block Data to a New Node Joining the Network?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/can-a-pruned-node-serve-historical-block-data-to-a-new-node-joining-the-network/)

- [How Does the UTXO Set Size Impact the Memory Requirements of a Full Node?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-the-utxo-set-size-impact-the-memory-requirements-of-a-full-node/)

- [How Does an SPV Wallet Trust the Block Headers It Receives?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-an-spv-wallet-trust-the-block-headers-it-receives/)

- [How Does the UTXO Model of Bitcoin Relate to the Concept of ‘Spent’ Funds?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-the-utxo-model-of-bitcoin-relate-to-the-concept-of-spent-funds/)

- [What Is the Trade-off a Pruned Full Node Makes Compared to an Archival Full Node?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/what-is-the-trade-off-a-pruned-full-node-makes-compared-to-an-archival-full-node/)

- [How Do ‘Simplified Payment Verification’ (SPV) Wallets Use Merkle Trees?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-do-simplified-payment-verification-spv-wallets-use-merkle-trees/)

- [How Does the UTXO Model Differ Fundamentally from the Account/Balance Model Used by Ethereum?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-the-utxo-model-differ-fundamentally-from-the-account-balance-model-used-by-ethereum/)

- [How Does SPV Reduce the Data Load for Mobile Cryptocurrency Wallets?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-spv-reduce-the-data-load-for-mobile-cryptocurrency-wallets/)

## Glossar

### [Pruned Full Node](https://learn.greeks.live/area/pruned-full-node/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Architecture ⎊ A pruned full node represents a strategic optimization within a cryptocurrency network, functioning as a complete validator while minimizing storage demands through selective historical data retention.

### [Full Node](https://learn.greeks.live/area/full-node/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Validation ⎊ A full node is a server or computer running the blockchain's core software, responsible for downloading the entire history of the ledger and independently verifying every transaction and block against the network's consensus rules.

### [UTXO Set](https://learn.greeks.live/area/utxo-set/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Ledger ⎊ The Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) set represents a snapshot of all unspent outputs from previous transactions on a blockchain, fundamentally defining the available funds for any given address.

### [New Node Joining](https://learn.greeks.live/area/new-node-joining/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Node ⎊ The integration of a new participant into a distributed ledger network, particularly relevant in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi), signifies a procedural event involving cryptographic validation and consensus protocol adherence.

### [Node](https://learn.greeks.live/area/node/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Entity ⎊ A Node is an individual participant computer that validates transactions, maintains a copy of the ledger, and contributes to the overall security and decentralization of the cryptocurrency Network.

### [Block Headers](https://learn.greeks.live/area/block-headers/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)

Information ⎊ Block Headers are the succinct summaries of a block's content and validation parameters, acting as the primary mechanism for chain linkage and Proof-of-Work verification across the peer-to-peer network.

## Discover More

### [What Is a Perpetual Option Contract in the Crypto Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/what-is-a-perpetual-option-contract-in-the-crypto-space/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![What Is a Perpetual Option Contract in the Crypto Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Abstract-Volumetric-Visualization-of-Cryptocurrency-Options-Hedging-Strategy-Implementation-Across-Decentralized-Exchanges.webp)

An option contract without an expiration date, using a funding rate mechanism to align its price with the underlying asset.

### [What Is the Staking Mechanism for Node Operators in a DON?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/what-is-the-staking-mechanism-for-node-operators-in-a-don/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![What Is the Staking Mechanism for Node Operators in a DON?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Precision-Engineering-of-Automated-Market-Maker-Mechanism-Hinge-Governance-Structure.webp)

Node operators must stake native tokens as collateral; inaccurate reporting results in the "slashing" of their stake as a penalty.

### [How Does the 'SegWit' Upgrade Affect the Calculation of Block Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-the-segwit-upgrade-affect-the-calculation-of-block-space/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![How Does the 'SegWit' Upgrade Affect the Calculation of Block Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Decoupled-Cryptographic-Asset-Custody-Mechanism-Exhibiting-Interconnected-Data-Conduit-Structures.webp)

SegWit introduced a 'block weight' limit of 4M units, counting witness data as 1/4 weight, which effectively increased transaction capacity.

### [What Is a Node in a Blockchain Network?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/what-is-a-node-in-a-blockchain-network/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![What Is a Node in a Blockchain Network?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Spherical-Decentralized-Autonomous-Organization-Node-Optic-Sensor-Representing-Algorithmic-Trading-Execution.webp)

A computer connected to the blockchain network that validates transactions and stores a copy of the distributed ledger.

### [Define a "Treasury Bill" Equivalent in the DeFi Space and Its Role in a DAO's Treasury Diversification](https://learn.greeks.live/path/define-a-treasury-bill-equivalent-in-the-defi-space-and-its-role-in-a-daos-treasury-diversification/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![Define a "Treasury Bill" Equivalent in the DeFi Space and Its Role in a DAO's Treasury Diversification](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Macro-View-of-Digital-Asset-Custody-Interface-Indicating-On-Chain-Settlement-Mechanism-Fidelity.webp)

Stablecoin staking in audited lending protocols provides low-risk yield and capital preservation for the treasury.

### [How Do Segregated Witness (SegWit) Upgrades Aim to Address Block Space Constraints?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-do-segregated-witness-segwit-upgrades-aim-to-address-block-space-constraints/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![How Do Segregated Witness (SegWit) Upgrades Aim to Address Block Space Constraints?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Close-Up-Examination-of-Deconstructed-Digital-Asset-Collateralization-Mechanism-Spindle-Assembly.webp)

By separating and counting the digital signature (witness data) differently, it allows more transactions to fit within the existing block size limit.

### [How Does a Decentralized File Storage Network like Filecoin Function?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-a-decentralized-file-storage-network-like-filecoin-function/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![How Does a Decentralized File Storage Network like Filecoin Function?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Futuristic-Digital-Asset-Propeller-Mechanism-Visualizing-Decentralized-Autonomous-Organization-Governance-Dynamics.webp)

Users pay miners to store data using cryptographic proofs of storage on a decentralized blockchain.

### [How Does the Concept of 'Margin' in Derivatives Relate to the Cost of Competing for Block Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/how-does-the-concept-of-margin-in-derivatives-relate-to-the-cost-of-competing-for-block-space/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![How Does the Concept of 'Margin' in Derivatives Relate to the Cost of Competing for Block Space?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hypersonic-Missile-Aerodynamics-Modeling-High-Frequency-Crypto-Derivative-Execution-Mechanisms.webp)

Margin: collateral for leveraged risk in Derivatives. Gas Price: fee for network resource consumption in Crypto. Both are costs of engagement.

### [What Mechanisms Can Be Built into a Smart Contract to Allow for Amendments or Termination by Mutual Consent?](https://learn.greeks.live/path/what-mechanisms-can-be-built-into-a-smart-contract-to-allow-for-amendments-or-termination-by-mutual-consent/?utm_source=crypto.greeks.live&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=satellite)
![What Mechanisms Can Be Built into a Smart Contract to Allow for Amendments or Termination by Mutual Consent?](https://learn.greeks.live/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Advanced-Crypto-Derivatives-Settlement-Mechanism-Visualization-Illustrating-Liquidity-Pool-Dynamics.webp)

Smart contracts can be made upgradeable through multi-signature requirements or proxy patterns.

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**Original URL:** https://learn.greeks.live/learn/how-does-the-concept-of-pruning-allow-a-full-node-to-save-storage-space/
