Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the way we think about money, value, and digital ownership. Behind every major digital asset lies a precise system of measurement — one that allows for micro-transactions, global accessibility, and scalable financial innovation. At the heart of this system are the smallest units of each cryptocurrency, which enable flexibility in transactions and reflect the culture, history, and values of their respective communities.
In this article, we explore the smallest denominations of four major cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), EOS, and Litecoin (LTC). From Satoshi to Wei to Larimer and Litoshi, these units are more than just technical details — they carry stories of innovation, tribute, and vision.
Bitcoin’s Smallest Unit: Satoshi (SAT)
The smallest unit of Bitcoin is the Satoshi, often abbreviated as SAT. Named after Bitcoin’s mysterious creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, one Bitcoin equals 100 million Satoshis (1 BTC = 100,000,000 SAT).
This division allows for extreme precision in transactions, making Bitcoin usable even at high valuations. For instance, when Bitcoin trades at $60,000, one Satoshi is worth just $0.0006 — small enough to facilitate micro-payments across borders or within decentralized applications.
👉 Discover how small units like Satoshi are powering the future of digital finance.
Beyond Satoshis, Bitcoin has several intermediate units:
- Bitcent (cBTC): 1% of a Bitcoin
- Milli-Bitcoin (mBTC): 1/1000th of a Bitcoin
- Micro-Bitcoin (μBTC): 1/1,000,000th of a Bitcoin
While these are rarely used in daily transactions, they help users conceptualize fractional ownership. The Satoshi remains the most practical and widely recognized subunit.
Interestingly, on August 4th, news spread across blockchain circles that one Satoshi had surpassed the value of several national currencies, including the Iranian Rial, Vietnamese Dong, Indonesian Rupiah, and others — not in absolute terms, but in purchasing power parity for certain goods and services. This highlights how digital scarcity can redefine value perception.
Ethereum’s Smallest Unit: Wei
Ethereum takes a scientific and academic approach to naming its smallest unit: Wei. Named in honor of Wei Dai, a pioneering cryptographer who proposed B-Money in 1998 — a key conceptual precursor to Bitcoin — Wei represents the foundational layer of Ethereum’s monetary system.
One Ether equals 10^18 Wei, making it one of the most finely divisible cryptocurrencies in existence.
But Ethereum doesn’t stop at Wei. Its unit system pays homage to giants in computing and cryptography:
- Kwei (Babbage): 1,000 Wei – named after Charles Babbage, father of the computer
- Mwei (Lovelace): 1 million Wei – honoring Ada Lovelace, the world’s first programmer
- Gwei (Shannon): 1 billion Wei – after Claude Shannon, founder of information theory
- Szabo: 1 trillion Wei – named for Nick Szabo, creator of Bit Gold
- Finney: 1 quadrillion Wei – tribute to Hal Finney, early Bitcoin contributor and first recipient after Satoshi
These names reflect Ethereum’s ethos: building a decentralized world computer rooted in intellectual legacy and open innovation.
Gwei is especially important today — it’s the standard unit used to measure gas fees on the Ethereum network. When you see wallet prompts saying “Gas Price: 25 Gwei,” you're seeing how much you pay per unit of computational effort.
EOS’s Smallest Unit: Larimer
EOS stands out with a unique naming convention. Its smallest unit is called the Larimer, where 1 EOS = 10,000 Larimers.
This unit is named after Daniel Larimer, the founder of EOS and a prominent figure in the blockchain space. Known widely by his online alias BM (Byte Master), Larimer also played key roles in creating BitShares and Steem.
Unlike other projects that use abstract or scientific names, EOS chose to honor its creator directly — a rare move in the typically pseudonymous world of crypto. While some see this as bold or even controversial, others view it as a recognition of leadership and technical contribution.
The use of "Larimer" may not be as globally symbolic as "Satoshi" or "Wei", but it underscores a different philosophy — one centered on identifiable visionaries shaping blockchain ecosystems.
Litecoin’s Smallest Unit: Litoshi
Litecoin, often referred to as the “silver to Bitcoin’s gold,” follows Bitcoin’s structural blueprint closely — including its divisibility.
The smallest unit of Litecoin is the Litoshi, with 1 LTC = 100 million Litoshi — mirroring Bitcoin’s 1 BTC = 100 million SAT ratio.
The name “Litoshi” is a portmanteau of Litecoin and Satoshi, symbolizing both its technical inspiration and respectful nod to Bitcoin’s origins.
Like Bitcoin, Litecoin supports microtransactions efficiently through its divisible nature. Given its faster block generation time (2.5 minutes vs. Bitcoin’s 10), Litecoin has long been positioned as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system suitable for everyday payments — a goal made more achievable thanks to units like the Litoshi.
Why Smallest Units Matter
You might wonder: Why do we need such tiny denominations?
Here’s why:
- Scalability: As asset values rise, smaller units allow continued usability.
- Microtransactions: Enables pay-per-use models (e.g., streaming content by the second).
- Global Inclusion: People in low-income regions can still participate with fractional holdings.
- Smart Contract Precision: DeFi protocols require exact calculations down to the smallest decimal.
For example, imagine paying just 500 Satoshis for an article online — no credit card needed, no intermediaries involved. This is the promise of ultra-divisible digital money.
👉 See how platforms are leveraging tiny units for next-gen payment solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I send less than 1 Bitcoin or Ethereum?
Yes. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are fully divisible. You can send as little as 1 Satoshi (0.00000001 BTC) or 1 Wei (0.000000000000000001 ETH), though network fees may make very small transfers impractical.
Q: Is “Larimer” officially recognized by EOS?
Yes. The EOS blockchain natively supports the Larimer as its base unit. Wallets and exchanges typically display EOS in whole or decimal form, but all balances are internally tracked in Larimers.
Q: Why isn’t Bitcoin priced in Satoshis already?
While some enthusiasts advocate for shifting from BTC to SAT as the default unit, widespread adoption requires changes in user interface design and public understanding. However, tools like SAT calculators and wallets supporting SAT balances are growing in popularity.
Q: Are there plans to rename any of these units?
There are no official movements to rename Satoshi, Wei, or Litoshi. These names are deeply embedded in community culture. Larimer remains debated due to its personal nature but is technically fixed in the EOS protocol.
Q: How do I convert BTC to Satoshis?
Multiply any BTC amount by 100 million. For example:
- 0.5 BTC = 50,000,000 SAT
- 0.01 BTC = 1,000,000 SAT
Many modern wallets now include built-in SAT converters.
Q: Can I earn income in these small units?
Absolutely. Platforms like faucets, play-to-earn games, staking rewards, and microtask apps often distribute earnings in Satoshis, Wei, or Litoshi — allowing users to accumulate value over time.
Final Thoughts: A Tribute in Every Transaction
From Satoshi to Wei, from Larimer to Litoshi, cryptocurrency units do more than measure value — they preserve history. Each name tells a story of innovation, tribute, or identity.
As digital assets evolve, so too will our understanding of value at microscopic scales. Whether you're sending 1 Gwei for gas or saving up Satoshis over time, you're participating in a new financial language — one built on code, culture, and community.
👉 Start exploring how you can use these small units in real-world applications today.