[Crypto projects](https://revain.org/projects/) › Avalanche

# Avalanche (AVAX): how it works, supply and reviews

## In short

- **Type**: Layer-1 network: the Primary Network runs the C-Chain, P-Chain and X-Chain; projects can launch their own Avalanche L1s
- **Maximum supply**: Hard cap of 720,000,000 AVAX
- **Risks and caveats**: AVAX supply keeps growing through staking rewards and is expected to remain inflationary for a long time.
- **Checked**: 31 October 2026

## Key facts

- **Ticker**: AVAX
- **Official site**: [avax.network](https://www.avax.network/)

Key facts checked on 31 October 2026 against official sources.

## What is Avalanche

Avalanche is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform made of a Primary Network and independent Avalanche L1 chains. Its C-Chain runs Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, and AVAX is the native token used for fees and staking.

## Network and consensus

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Layer-1 network: the Primary Network runs the C-Chain, P-Chain and X-Chain; projects can launch their own Avalanche L1s |
| Consensus | Snowman consensus with proof-of-stake validators; sub-second, irreversible finality |
| Smart contracts | Yes; the C-Chain implements the Ethereum Virtual Machine and runs Solidity contracts (chain ID 43114) |
| Validators | Any node staking at least 2,000 AVAX can validate the Primary Network |
| Launched | Mainnet launched in September 2020 |

## Supply and issuance

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum supply | Hard cap of 720,000,000 AVAX |
| Initial distribution | 360,000,000 AVAX minted at genesis |
| Staking rewards | New AVAX is minted for validators at the end of a successful staking period; the rate shrinks as supply nears the cap |
| Fee burn | All transaction fees are burned |
| Inflation | Minting usually exceeds burning, so AVAX is expected to stay mildly inflationary until near the cap |

## What AVAX is used for

- Paying transaction fees on the Primary Network
- Staking to secure the network, with voting weight proportional to stake
- A common unit of account between Avalanche L1s

## Who develops and governs Avalanche

- **Foundation**: The Avalanche Foundation launched the public network and funds ecosystem growth
- **Developer**: Ava Labs, founded in 2018, develops the core software and provides services to the Foundation
- **Governance**: No single owner; validators weigh in on network decisions in proportion to stake; upgrades are proposed as ACPs
- **Open source**: Yes; the AvalancheGo node is licensed under BSD-3

## History

| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Ava Labs, the main developer of Avalanche software, is founded. |
| September 2020 | The Avalanche mainnet launches with 360 million AVAX minted at genesis. |
| 22 September 2026 | The Helicon upgrade activates; the C-Chain moves to the Continuous Execution VM and the minimum validator staking period drops to 48 hours. |

## Security and audits

- Vulnerabilities are reported privately through a bug bounty programme on Immunefi; testing on live networks is not allowed.
- Avalanche does not slash staked tokens; misbehaving validators lose their rewards instead.

## Risks and caveats

- AVAX supply keeps growing through staking rewards and is expected to remain inflationary for a long time.
- Node software must be upgraded for network upgrades; nodes on old releases stop following mainnet.
- Core software is developed mainly by one company, Ava Labs.

## Official links

- Website: [www.avax.network](https://www.avax.network/)
- Docs: [build.avax.network/docs/primary-network](https://build.avax.network/docs/primary-network)
- Source code: [github.com/ava-labs/avalanchego](https://github.com/ava-labs/avalanchego)
- Block explorer: [explorer.avax.network/c-chain](https://explorer.avax.network/c-chain)
- Foundation: [www.avax.network/about/foundation](https://www.avax.network/about/foundation)

## Questions and answers

**What is Avalanche?**

Avalanche is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform whose Primary Network runs the EVM-compatible C-Chain, the P-Chain and the X-Chain. AVAX is its native token.

**Who created Avalanche?**

Core software is developed by Ava Labs, founded in 2018; the Avalanche Foundation launched the public network in September 2020.

**What is the maximum supply of AVAX?**

AVAX is capped at 720 million. 360 million were minted at genesis; the rest is minted gradually as staking rewards.

**How does Avalanche reach consensus?**

It uses Snowman consensus run by proof-of-stake validators, giving sub-second final confirmation.

**Are AVAX fees burned?**

Yes. Transaction fees on Avalanche are burned and permanently removed from supply.

## Sources

- [Avalanche — About](https://www.avax.network/about)
- [Avalanche — Foundation](https://www.avax.network/about/foundation)
- [Avalanche Builder Hub — Primary Network](https://build.avax.network/docs/primary-network)
- [Avalanche Builder Hub — AVAX Token](https://build.avax.network/docs/primary-network/avax-token)
- [Avalanche Builder Hub — Snowman Consensus](https://build.avax.network/docs/primary-network/avalanche-consensus)
- [Avalanche Builder Hub — Helicon Upgrade](https://build.avax.network/docs/primary-network/helicon-upgrade)
- [AvalancheGo README (GitHub)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ava-labs/avalanchego/master/README.md)
- [AvalancheGo Security Policy (GitHub)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ava-labs/avalanchego/master/SECURITY.md)

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Page updated: 2026-10-31

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Source: https://revain.org/projects/avalanche/