# How to read a block explorer

A Bitcoin block explorer is a search engine for the blockchain. Learn what every field on a block, transaction and address page means, step by step.

Canonical page: https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/how-to-read-a-block-explorer
Topic: Using a block explorer
Published: 2026-10-29
Updated: 2026-10-30


## A search engine for Bitcoin
A block explorer reads data from a Bitcoin [node](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/what-is-a-bitcoin-node) and shows it as web pages. Paste a block height, block hash, txid or address into the [search](/explorer).

## A block page
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Height | Position in the chain. See [Block height](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/block-height) |
| Hash | The block's unique ID |
| Timestamp | Set by the miner, roughly accurate. See [Block timestamps](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/block-timestamps) |
| Transactions | How many it contains; the first is the [The coinbase transaction](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/coinbase-transaction) |
| Size / weight | How much block space it used. See [Block size and the weight limit](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/block-size-and-weight-limit) |
| Confirmations | How many blocks have been built on top |

## A transaction page
| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| txid | Its unique ID. See [Transaction IDs (txid)](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/transaction-id-txid) |
| Inputs | The previous outputs being spent |
| Outputs | Amounts and destinations being created |
| Fee and fee rate | Inputs minus outputs, and sats per vbyte |
| Status | Unconfirmed, or the number of [confirmations](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/bitcoin-confirmations) |

> Diagram: On a transaction page, read inputs on the left and outputs on the right — 0.6,0.45 → 1.0,0.0499

## Not shown, because it can't be known
- **Who** owns an address.
- **Which output is change.**
- **Which input paid which output** inside one transaction.

Good explorers say so instead of guessing. See [What a Bitcoin trace can and can't prove](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/tracing-bitcoin).

## Trust
An explorer shows you what **its** node sees. Running your own node, or using an explorer that runs its own (like MyBitcoinExplorer), avoids relying on someone else's database.


## Try it now on MyBitcoinExplorer
1. Open the [latest blocks](/blocks) and click the newest one.
1. Note its height, transaction count and how full it is.
1. Click its first transaction: that's the coinbase paying the miner.
1. Go back and click any other transaction: read its inputs, outputs and fee.
1. Paste that transaction's txid into the [search](/explorer) to find it again.

## Explorer vs wallet
A wallet shows only your own coins. An explorer shows everyone's public data, with no keys involved and no way to move funds. Use it to check payments independently.


## Key takeaways

- Explorers turn node data into readable pages for blocks, transactions and addresses.
- Fee, confirmations and amounts are facts; ownership and change are not.
- An explorer is only as trustworthy as the node behind it.

## Common questions

### Is it safe to look up my address in an explorer?

It's public data, but the explorer can see that you looked. Using your own node is more private.

### Why do two explorers show different times?

Some show the block's timestamp; others show when their node first saw it.

### Is a block explorer safe to use?

Yes. It only reads public data; it never needs your keys or seed.

### Why use MyBitcoinExplorer instead of another explorer?

Our pages come from our own Bitcoin Core node and index, with no third-party data, and every lesson links to real examples.

## Related lessons

- [How to look up a Bitcoin transaction](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/how-to-look-up-a-transaction)
- [What a Bitcoin trace can and can't prove](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/tracing-bitcoin)
- [What is a block?](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/what-is-a-block)
- [What is a Bitcoin transaction?](https://mybitcoinexplorer.com/learn/what-is-a-bitcoin-transaction)