Explanation
Gas depends on network congestion and the complexity of your transaction, not on the amount you send. Layer 2 networks cut those costs sharply.
What you pay and why
Gas is the unit of account for the work the network performs for you. A simple transfer costs little, a complex smart-contract interaction much more. The total is gas units times the price per unit; that price rises when many people compete for space in the same block.
How to pay less
Trade outside US peak hours, use a layer 2 for small amounts, batch actions where possible and postpone non-urgent transactions until gas drops. A 20-euro transaction carrying 15 euros of fees is rarely sensible — that is precisely what layer 2 networks exist for.
Key takeaways
- Cost depends on complexity and congestion.
- Layer 2 for small amounts.
- Failed transactions also cost gas.
Frequently asked questions
+Why did my transaction fail yet still cost money?
The network performed computation up to the point where the transaction reverted. That work is compensated, even without a result.