Block Time
Learn more about Block Time
Recommended Block Times
Here are general guidelines for selecting a block time based on common use cases. For reference, Arbitrum Orbit chains typically use a 250ms block time, while OP Stack chains commonly use 2 seconds.
| Block Time | Effects & Tradeoffs | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250ms – 500ms | Near-instant confirmations, high network demands | Most use cases | Requires high-performance hardware and low-latency network connections. Monitor for chain reorganizations. |
| 500ms – 1s | Balanced responsiveness and stability | NFT marketplaces, social platforms | Ideal balance of speed and reliability. Test thoroughly to ensure block time meets user expectations. |
| 1s – 2s | Lower node demands, reasonable confirmation speeds | Governance, data archiving | Works well with less powerful hardware. Perfect for cost-conscious deployments without real-time needs. (Common block time for many rollups outside of the Arbitrum ecosystem) |
Factors to Consider
When choosing a block time, consider the following:
- Application Type: Does your dApp need rapid transaction confirmations (like gaming and trading) or can it handle longer delays (like governance and record-keeping)?
- Transaction Volume: High-throughput dApps work better with shorter block times for quick processing, while low-volume apps can function well with longer intervals.
- Node Infrastructure: Your validators need adequate hardware and network bandwidth to handle your chosen block time, particularly at the minimum of 250 ms.
- User Experience: While faster block times create a more responsive dApp, overly short intervals can cause reorganizations or network congestion.
Best Practices
- Start Conservative: If uncertain, begin with a 1-second block time—it provides a good balance for most dApps. You can fine-tune this based on performance testing.
- Test Thoroughly: Deploy your appchain on a testnet first to assess how your chosen block time affects transaction latency, node performance, and user experience.
- Monitor Node Health: Shorter block times (particularly 250 ms) demand robust infrastructure. Keep track of CPU, memory, and network usage to ensure validators perform optimally.
- Consider Finality: While block time influences confirmation speed, transaction finality depends on your consensus mechanism. Consult Syndicate's consensus documentation for specifics.
- Plan for Scalability: Your dApp's transaction volume will likely grow. Pick a block time that can handle future demand, or be prepared to optimize your chain's configuration accordingly.