Gas prices rise when the network is busy and fall when it is quiet. Layer-2 networks exist partly to make transactions cheaper than paying gas directly on Ethereum’s base layer.
Key takeaways
- Gas is the fee paid to process and validate transactions on the Ethereum network.
- Gas prices are commonly measured in gwei, a small denomination of ether.
- Fees tend to rise when the network is busy, as users compete for limited block space.
Gas — frequently asked questions
Why do I have to pay gas on Ethereum?
Gas compensates the network for the computational work needed to process and secure your transaction.
Why are gas fees sometimes so high?
When many people transact at once, demand for block space rises, pushing gas prices upward until activity eases.
This definition is educational and not financial advice. Crypto is volatile and high-risk — always do your own research.
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