Definition
The number of blocks added to the blockchain after the block containing your transaction. More confirmations mean greater security and finality — your transaction is increasingly difficult to reverse.
Why It Matters
Knowing how many confirmations are needed helps you understand when a transaction is truly final. Exchanges often require 3–6 confirmations before crediting deposits.
Example
A Bitcoin transaction is first broadcast to the network, then included in a block (1 confirmation), then each subsequent block adds another confirmation. Most exchanges require 3 confirmations.
Related Terms
Block
Blockchain
Mining
Transaction