Bitcoin mining difficulty rises 5.92% in 10th increase of 2026

Bitcoin mining difficulty rose 5.92% to 140.58T, while the network hash rate continued to increase.

The difficulty was adjusted upward at block height 971,712.

Of 21 difficulty adjustments in 2026, 10 have been increases and 11 have been decreases.

Bitcoin automatically adjusts mining difficulty based on the computing power committed to the network, seeking to keep block production near its target interval.

A higher difficulty means miners must commit more computing power and time for the same bitcoin reward. It is generally viewed as a positive fundamental indicator because it strengthens network security.

The current network hash rate stands at 1,031.00 EH/s, up from 960.70 EH/s the previous week. The weekly average is 1,031.61 EH/s.

Hash rate measures the computing power committed to the network and indicates the level of mining participation. It can decline when miners halt operations because of lower revenue or higher operating costs.

The average block production time is 9 minutes and 44 seconds.

At the next adjustment, expected in about 12 days and 18 hours at block height 973,728, difficulty is projected to rise 2.05% to 143.46T.

This article is based on market data and analysis and does not constitute investment advice.