Full node
A node that checks every block and every transaction itself against all the consensus rules. If you run a full node, you don’t have to trust anyone to know whether a payment is valid.
Alsofull-nodefully validating nodeyour own nodepruned node
A full node downloads the entire blockchainGlossaryBlockchainBitcoin’s public ledger: a chain of blocks in which each block refers to its predecessor. Anyone wanting to change an old entry would have to recreate all the blocks that follow it.On the learning path: Stage 1 · Step 3 – How does Bitcoin work? →In the glossary → and checks it against all the rules itself, starting from the genesis blockGlossaryGenesis blockThe very first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, created on 3 January 2009. It contains a newspaper headline about bank bailouts – and its reward of 50 BTC can never be spent, for technical reasons.In the glossary →.[1] It rejects any block that breaks a consensus ruleGlossaryConsensus (consensus rules)The agreement of all nodes on which blocks and transactions are valid and which chain counts. It rests on fixed consensus rules that every node checks for itself – no vote, no boardroom.On the learning path: Stage 1 · Step 3 – How does Bitcoin work? →In the glossary → – for example by creating more new bitcoin than allowed – even if a miner found it.
Why this matters
- For the network: the more people run their own full node, the harder it is to change the rules against their will.
- For you: you check payments yourself instead of taking a third-party server’s word for it. If you connect your wallet to your own node, public servers no longer learn which addresses and balance belong to your IP address.[5]
What you need
- Software: the most widely used is Bitcoin CoreGlossaryBitcoin CoreThe most widely used software for Bitcoin nodes, a direct descendant of Satoshi Nakamoto’s first program. It is open source, verifies all blocks and transactions itself and includes a wallet.In the glossary →.[1]
- Storage: the blockchain is around 770 GB and still growing; Bitcoin Core allows for nearly 900 GB including additional data (as of September 2026).[3],[4] In pruning mode, the node still checks everything but then keeps only the most recent blocks.[2] That way, around 15 GB is enough.[4]
- Time: the initial sync can take several days, longer on slow hardware or a slow connection.[2]
A full node isn’t a wallet or a mining device, and it doesn’t earn money. Hardware and setup are covered in Nodes & decentralisation.
Related terms
These terms are closely connected.
- This termFull node
- NodeA computer that runs Bitcoin software and exchanges transactions and blocks with other nodes. Together, the nodes form the Bitcoin network; full nodes check every rule themselves.
- Bitcoin CoreThe most widely used software for Bitcoin nodes, a direct descendant of Satoshi Nakamoto’s first program. It is open source, verifies all blocks and transactions itself and includes a wallet.
- Consensus (consensus rules)The agreement of all nodes on which blocks and transactions are valid and which chain counts. It rests on fixed consensus rules that every node checks for itself – no vote, no boardroom.
- DecentralisationBitcoin has no headquarters that could change the rules, freeze accounts or print more money. Instead, tens of thousands of independent nodes around the world check for themselves that all the rules are followed.
- Self-custodyYou hold the private keys to your bitcoin yourself – in your own wallet rather than with a provider. Nobody can freeze your bitcoin. But nobody can help you if you lose your seed phrase and keys.
Explained in depth
These articles go into more detail:
- Deep dive · Stage 1Nodes & decentralisationWhat a full node checks, why the nodes ultimately decide on the rules, how decentralised Bitcoin is and how to run a node of your own.
- Deep dive · Stage 5PrivacyBitcoin is pseudonymous, not anonymous. How chain analysis works, what your exchange and the tax office know about you and how to protect your privacy legally.
More from „Basics“
Sources5 sources · 4 publishers
The superscript numbers in the text refer to these sources.
- bitcoin/bitcoin – README – Bitcoin Core (GitHub) (accessed 28/09/2026)
- Running A Full Node – bitcoin.org (accessed 28/09/2026)
- Blockchain.com Charts: Blockchain Size – Blockchain.com, 27.09.2026 (accessed 28/09/2026)
- Bitcoin Core: src/kernel/chainparams.cpp (m_assumed_blockchain_size, m_assumed_chain_state_size) – Bitcoin Core (GitHub) (accessed 28/09/2026)
- Sparrow Wallet: Best Practices – Sparrow Wallet (accessed 28/09/2026)
This entry is for education only and is not investment, tax or legal advice.