Cardano (ADA)
Layer 1 smart-contract platform
Cardano is a proof-of-stake blockchain launched in September 2017 and co-founded by Charles Hoskinson. It is known for a research-driven approach, and ADA has a maximum supply of 45 billion.
Profile last verified 23 September 2026. Live figures from CoinGecko. Not investment advice.
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What is Cardano?
Cardano uses the Ouroboros proof-of-stake protocol. ADA holders delegate to stake pools without locking their coins. Smart contracts arrived in September 2021 (the Alonzo upgrade).
On-chain governance, letting ADA holders vote on treasury spending and upgrades, was introduced with the Chang hard fork in September 2024.
Key facts
| Ticker | ADA |
|---|---|
| Type | Layer 1 smart-contract platform |
| Launched | September 2017 |
| Consensus | Proof of stake (Ouroboros) |
| Supply | Maximum 45 billion ADA; the remainder is released gradually as staking rewards. |
| Official site | cardano.org |
What ADA is used for
- Staking via stake pools
- Smart contracts and DeFi
- On-chain governance
Main risks
- Smaller app and DeFi ecosystem than Ethereum or Solana
- Development has historically moved slower than roadmaps suggested
- Price volatility typical of large altcoins
Related guides
Cardano: frequently asked questions
- Is staked ADA locked?
- No. Delegating ADA to a stake pool keeps it in your wallet and you can move it at any time.
- What is the maximum supply of ADA?
- 45 billion ADA. Most already exists; the rest is paid out slowly as staking rewards.
- Who runs Cardano?
- Independent stake-pool operators produce blocks. Development is led by several organizations, and since 2024 ADA holders can vote on governance actions.