KRC-20 Tokens

What is KRC-20?

KRC-20 is a token inscription standard on Kaspa. It allows users to create, mint, and transfer custom tokens on the Kaspa network.

KRC-20 is live on mainnet and represents the first layer of programmability available on Kaspa. It provides a way to issue tokens without requiring full smart contract functionality.

How It Works

KRC-20 uses an inscription-based approach — token operations (deploy, mint, transfer) are encoded as data inscribed into Kaspa transactions. This means:

• Token creation does not require changes to the base protocol
• All KRC-20 activity is recorded on the Kaspa BlockDAG
• Tokens inherit the security of Kaspa’s proof-of-work consensus

What It Enables

KRC-20 tokens serve as the building blocks for a broader token ecosystem on Kaspa. Use cases include:

• Community tokens — projects and communities issuing their own tokens
• Governance tokens — tokens used for community decision-making
• Utility tokens — tokens representing access to services or platforms

Relationship to Future Programmability

KRC-20 is the first step in Kaspa’s programmability roadmap. More advanced capabilities are being developed:

• SilverScript will enable more complex scripting logic
• Igra rollups will bring EVM-compatible smart contracts
• vProgs will provide native programmable virtual machines

Each layer builds on the last, expanding what can be done on Kaspa while maintaining the security and performance of the underlying BlockDAG.