Dash is a digital currency that enables fast, low-cost global payments without reliance on a central authority. Operating on a decentralized peer-to-peer network with cryptographic security, Dash provides a portable and efficient payment method suitable for online and everyday transactions. ^[1]

Overview

Dash is a payments-focused cryptocurrency designed for user accessibility and scalability. The network provides instant transaction confirmation, double-spend protection, and optional privacy comparable to physical cash. Its two-tier structure enables faster transactions, enhanced privacy, and self-governance through incentivized full nodes. Although based on Bitcoin, Dash includes on-chain scaling capabilities, aiming for up to 400MB blocks with custom open-source hardware. ^[2]

Features

Masternodes

Dash rewards users for running masternodes, specialized servers that support the network beyond traditional Proof of Work mining. Masternodes enable services such as InstantSend, offering nearly immediate transactions; CoinJoin, for enhanced financial privacy; and ChainLocks, which protects against 51% attacks. They also support Dash’s governance and treasury system, with 20% of block subsidies funding project development. Each masternode requires 1000 DASH, proven through a signed message on the blockchain. Running a masternode grants voting rights on project proposals, and rewards are distributed per block, with payouts decreasing annually by 7. ^[3]

Evolution Masternodes

Evolution Masternodes, or EvoNodes, are specialized masternodes established to support Dash Platform services. Standard masternodes require 1000 DASH collateral and provide only Dash Core services. EvoNodes require 4000 DASH and host both Dash Core and Platform services. EvoNodes also carry a voting weight of 4 and demand higher hardware specifications to support these additional functions. ^[3]

CoinJoin

CoinJoin enhances financial privacy by mixing Dash holdings with those of other users. This process divides transaction inputs into standard denominations (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 Dash) and, using masternodes, combines these inputs with at least two others in a single transaction, all while keeping funds within the user's control. The transaction is completed in multiple rounds, chosen by the user (2-16), with each round adding more anonymity. The process operates in the background, requiring no user intervention, and transactions are rounded up to cover any remaining inputs as transaction fees. ^[3]

InstantSend

InstantSend reduces the delay in transaction confirmations typical of decentralized cryptocurrencies by utilizing Dash’s second-layer masternode network. Unlike traditional systems that require multiple blocks to confirm a transaction, which can take 15 minutes to an hour, masternodes form voting quorums to validate transactions instantly. Once validated, masternodes lock the transaction inputs, ensuring they are included in upcoming blocks and preventing double-spending. This process allows Dash to offer nearly instantaneous transactions without relying on centralized control, making it comparable to credit card speed for point-of-sale payments. ^[3]

ChainLocks

ChainLocks enhances payment certainty on the Dash Network by eliminating the risk of blockchain reorganization events. Working alongside InstantSend, ChainLocks allows payments to be accepted immediately without waiting for multiple confirmations, which traditionally address reorganization risks but add time and complexity to transactions. This feature improves security and user experience by providing direct, immediate transaction assurance. ^[3]

Sporks

Sporks are a Dash Network feature that allows updates to be released without immediate enforcement. Introduced in 2014 after issues with the “RC3” update, this multi-phase activation provides a smoother transition than traditional hard forks and enables real-time test data collection. Although originally intended as "soft forking," the community adopted "spork" as the name. Since Dash Core v21.0, sporks are now limited to test networks, with mainnet spork values solidified to reduce centralization risks. ^[3]

X11 Hash Algorithm

The X11 algorithm, developed by Dash core developer Evan Duffield, is a chained proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm that combines 11 scientific hashing algorithms to enhance security and fairness in processing distribution. Originally intended to delay ASIC development and reduce mining centralization, X11 aimed to mirror Bitcoin's early mining stages. Unlike single-hash PoW systems, X11 provides resilience against single points of failure, as breaking all 11 hashes simultaneously is unlikely, giving time to replace any compromised algorithms. This approach supports greater network stability and security, making X11 suited for digital currency longevity and investment. X11 was designed to allow a gradual migration from CPU and GPU to ASIC mining, following Bitcoin’s developmental path. ^[3]

Dark Gravity Wave (DGW)

Dark Gravity Wave (DGW) is an open-source algorithm for adjusting mining difficulty in Bitcoin-based cryptocurrencies, first implemented in Dash. Created by Dash’s developer Evan Duffield, DGW addresses a time-warp exploit in Kimoto's Gravity Well. Unlike Bitcoin’s difficulty adjustments every 2016 blocks, DGW adjusts difficulty with each block, using recent block statistics to maintain consistent block issuance despite fluctuations in hashing power. Dash introduced DGW version 2.0 at block 45,000 to fully address the time-warp exploit, with version 3.0 implemented on May 14, 2014, for smoother difficulty re-targeting and improved performance across different architectures. ^[3]

Governance

Governance on the Dash operates through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) designed to address governance and funding challenges in cryptocurrency. Decision-making occurs through votes by MasterNodes, where each has one vote per proposal. If a proposal is approved, it may be implemented by Dash developers. For example, in 2016, the network reached a consensus within 24 hours to increase the block size to 2 MB. Dash also funds its development internally through its block subsidy system. While 80% of the block subsidy is allocated to miners and MasterNodes, the remaining 20% is reserved for budget proposals. Throughout the month, proposals can be submitted to the network. If a proposal gains at least 10% net approval from MasterNodes, the reserved funds are allocated to the approved proposals via a "superblock" created at the month's end. This system ensures that Dash can sustain its development without relying on external funding. ^[3]

Dash Platform

Dash Platform is a technology stack designed for building decentralized applications on the Dash network, transforming the Dash network into a cloud via its two main components: Drive and DAPI. It provides decentralized cloud storage, securing data with Dash's consensus algorithm for integrity and availability, and reduces data silos by distributing application data across multiple nodes. Client libraries allow integration with Dash Platform in various programming languages, simplifying blockchain development. The platform offers instant data confirmation through Dash’s consensus mechanism, supporting a seamless user experience. ^[4][5]

Dash Evolution

Dash Evolution is a decentralized application platform designed for executing data contracts and storing data in a decentralized, easily accessible, and queryable format. Using a sidechain maintained by Dash’s network nodes, Evolution enables data transactions and allows data access via a decentralized API. The platform is suitable for applications needing decentralized, censorship-resistant data storage with efficient data retrieval, such as accounting software, merchant maps, or social media. Evolution’s core applications include DPNS (Dash Platform Name Service) and Dashpay, which are foundational components supporting various use cases across the platform. ^[6]

Platform Chain

The Platform Chain is a sidechain secured by EvoNodes, which also protects the Dash legacy chain. It uses an account-based model rather than the UTXO model of the main chain. It relies on Tenderdash, a modified version of Tendermint consensus, which includes same-block execution for real-time data queries and a rotating quorum of validators (sBFT). Users register identities on the Platform Chain and use Dash-minted Credits to process transactions and store data. Credits, equivalent to Dash, are created through an asset-locking mechanism on the main chain, and Platform Chain validation benefits from the main chain's security via quorum signatures. ^[6]

Data Contracts

Data contracts on Evolution define the database schema for data storage on the platform. Each contract, linked to an owner identity, specifies how data is written and managed on the Platform chain. Developers register these contracts, allowing users to write related documents through state transitions stored within Dash’s storage system. Owners can make certain backward-compatible contract modifications, like adding new documents or optional properties. Contracts may include revision histories, and owners have control over document creation, replacement, and deletion in the storage. ^[6]

DashPay

DashPay is a decentralized payment app that enables private, user-friendly transactions. It uses DPNS for username lookup and lets users form connections with each other to share encrypted extended public keys. This setup allows for secure, private payment exchanges without public exposure of key data. DashPay also tracks user payment history with each contact, and if a device is lost, a recovery phrase can restore the user’s funds, username, contacts, and transaction history. This structure re-creates the ease of modern payment experiences in a decentralized, privacy-focused manner. ^[6]

Tokenomics

DASH has a max supply of 18,920,000 tokens with the following allocation: ^[7]

• Miner Rewards: 45%
• Masternode Rewards: 45%
• Treasury Proposals: 10%