# ADA (Cardano)

> ADA (₳) is a digital currency used to perform transactions on the Cardano network. It was initially launched in 2017 and is used by holders to stake, earn rewar...

- Canonical URL: https://iq.wiki/wiki/ada-cardano
- Categories: Cryptoassets
- Tags: Infrastructure
- Created: 2023-03-10T17:20:52.609Z
- Last updated: 2026-06-08T15:59:03.361Z
- Source: IQ.wiki — the world's largest blockchain and crypto encyclopedia (https://iq.wiki)

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**ADA (₳)** is the [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) network’s native token. It was named after 19th-century mathematician Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer. The ADA token is a [digital currency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) and is also used to perform transactions on the [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) network. [\[1\]](#cite-id-442ok4wfmi7)​

### Overview

The ADA token can be used for [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) on the [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) platform to help verify transactions. Staking rewards users with more ADA [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) and the [Proof of Stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) (PoS) system helps maintain the network's security. ADA can also be used to facilitate [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) and run applications on the [Cardano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cardano-ada) network. [\[2\]](#cite-id-49seeyhora6)​[\[3\]](#cite-id-q1xbqr3tfek)​

ADA token holders who stake their ADA tokens will be able to participate in on-chain governance and vote on development proposals. [\[5\]](#cite-id-am1g9l31pp)​

### Distribution

The initial token launch for Cardano (ADA) was on the 29th of September, 2017.

57.6% of the total ADA supply was distributed to investors in an [Initial Coin Offering](https://iq.wiki/wiki/initial-coin-offering) (ICO), in which Cardano raised $62.2 million. 11.50% was allocated to the Team (IOHK, EMURGO, and Cardano Foundation) and 30.90% to Staking Rewards. [\[2\]](#cite-id-49seeyhora6)​

![](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmVame9x2MkBA4b9qc9j9BRE2wE31ZHwRpLRiF2SK88oTS)

## Staking ADA

Validators - also known as pool operators - charge a commission fee for running staking pools. Delegators receive staking rewards in proportion to the amount staked.

Every 5 days, the protocol automatically allocates and compounds staking income. Users are able to delegate to any staking pool without a lock-up period, and can freely move their stake. Rewards can be withdrawn without an unbounding period, though there is a latency period of 15-20 days before the initial stake begins to earn rewards. [\[5\]](#cite-id-am1g9l31pp)​

[YOUTUBE@VID](IQK2h0xXIWw)