XRP, the native cryptocurrency of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), launched in 2012 with a fixed maximum supply of 100 billion tokens—all created at inception through pre-mining. This predetermined supply cap is a fundamental characteristic of XRP's economic model, ensuring no additional tokens can ever be created. Here's a detailed breakdown of XRP's supply dynamics:
XRP Supply Breakdown: Fixed but Dynamic
Total Supply
- 100 billion XRP were created when the XRP Ledger launched in 2012.
- No new XRP can be minted, mined, or generated—the supply is permanently capped.
Initial Distribution
- 80 billion XRP were allocated to Ripple (the company) to fund ecosystem development.
- 20 billion XRP were distributed to the project's founders.
Escrow System
- To ensure predictable supply releases, Ripple locked 55 billion XRP in on-ledger escrow accounts in December 2017.
- These escrows release 1 billion XRP monthly over 55 months. Unused amounts are typically re-escrowed.
Circulating Supply
- As of mid-2025, approximately 58–59 billion XRP are in active circulation.
- This number fluctuates based on escrow releases, Ripple's sales, and transactional burns.
Burned XRP
- The XRP Ledger destroys a tiny fraction of XRP (0.00001 XRP per transaction) as a spam-prevention fee.
- Over 13.9 million XRP have been burned to date—a minimal but steady deflationary mechanism.
Key Takeaways
- Hard Cap: XRP's maximum supply is irrevocably set at 100 billion tokens.
- Controlled Release: Ripple's escrow system manages supply predictability, with monthly unlocks until ~2027.
- Slow Deflation: Transaction burns gradually reduce the total supply, though the impact is minor short-term.
Current Stats:
- Total supply: ~99.98 billion (after burns)
- Circulating supply: ~58–59 billion
- Escrowed XRP: ~38 billion (as of early 2025)
FAQ: XRP Supply Explained
Q: Can the total supply of XRP ever increase?
A: No. The XRP Ledger's code prohibits creating new XRP beyond the original 100 billion.
Q: How does Ripple's escrow system affect XRP's price?
A: By limiting supply releases to 1 billion XRP monthly, the escrow aims to prevent market flooding and stabilize prices.
Q: Why is XRP burned with transactions?
A: Burning small amounts deters spam and slightly reduces supply over time, though the effect is minimal.
Q: Where can I check real-time XRP supply data?
A: Use XRP Ledger explorers like XRPScan or aggregated platforms like CoinMarketCap.
👉 Discover how XRP's utility drives its long-term value
XRP's fixed supply and managed distribution create a unique balance between scarcity and liquidity. While the 100 billion cap ensures no inflation, Ripple's escrow system and transactional burns add nuanced layers to its economic model—making XRP a standout in the crypto ecosystem.
Data updated May 2025. Sources: Ripple, XRPScan, Messari.