What using a network costs.
WHY FEES EXIST
Block space is limited, and fees allocate it and compensate producers.
WHAT DETERMINES THE FEE
Demand for space, and the resources your transaction consumes.
WHAT MAKES FEES VOLATILE
Demand varying sharply while supply is fixed.
WHAT THAT MEANS PRACTICALLY
A transaction costing very little may cost a great deal hours later.
WHAT GAS IS
A measure of computational work, on networks supporting programs.
WHAT A GAS LIMIT IS
The maximum work a transaction may consume.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT IS EXCEEDED
The transaction fails, and the fee is still charged.
WHY THAT SURPRISES PEOPLE
Paying for a failed transaction seems wrong, but the work was performed.
WHAT DETERMINES PRIORITY
The fee offered per unit of work.
WHAT TO DO WHEN FEES ARE HIGH
Wait, if the transaction is not urgent.
WHAT FEE ESTIMATION TOOLS PROVIDE
Current rates for different confirmation speeds.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Setting fees too low, leaving transactions pending indefinitely Setting them far too high accidentally
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT STUCK TRANSACTIONS
Some networks allow replacement with a higher fee.
WHAT HIGH FEES MEAN FOR SMALL PAYMENTS
That the network is unsuitable for them.
