How Is the Hash Rate of a Network Typically Measured and Tracked?

The hash rate is not directly measured but is estimated based on the network's difficulty and the rate at which blocks are found. The difficulty is a known parameter, and the target block time is also fixed.

If blocks are found faster than the target time, the network's hash rate is estimated to have increased. Specialized websites and services track this data by observing the block production rate and calculating the implied hash rate.

How Is the Total Value of Network Services (PQ) Estimated for a Layer 1 Blockchain?
How Does Increased Network Difficulty Affect a Mining Pool’s Profitability?
What Is the Mathematical Relationship between Network Hash Rate and Network Difficulty?
How Does the Difficulty Adjustment Mechanism Respond to Changes in Total Network Hash Rate?
How Is the Difficulty Adjustment Mechanism a Defense against a Rapid Hashrate Drop?
In Options Trading, How Does Transaction Speed Relate to PoW Difficulty?
What Is a ‘Hash Rate’ and How Is It Measured?
What Is ‘Block Propagation’ and Why Is Its Speed Important for Network Security?

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