Cardano has over 40 parameters. Each parameter plays a role in shaping the network’s functionality, security, economics, and performance. The max_lovelace_supply parameter is one of a few parameters that are written in stone: designed to be non-updatable. Here is what max_lovelace_supply does, and why you might care.

What is it

The most critical parameter governing most digital assets on a blockchain system is its maximum supply—the hard limit on how many units of the currency can ever exist. Cardano (ada) is no exception, with a fixed supply cap of 45,000,000,000,000,000 lovelaces (or 45 billion ada). This number will never change.

A Closer Look at the Fixed Supply

Cardano’s 45 billion ada cap was set from the network’s inception…