What is Ethereum's EIP-1559? How does it change the gas fee?

EIP-1559 introduced a base fee and tip system on Ethereum, making gas fees more predictable and burning the base fee to reduce supply.

Apr 16, 2025 at 03:28 pm

What is Ethereum's EIP-1559? How does it change the gas fee?

Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 1559, commonly known as EIP-1559, represents a significant upgrade to the Ethereum network. This proposal, implemented in August 2021, aimed to improve the user experience by making transaction fees more predictable and efficient. EIP-1559 introduced a new fee structure that fundamentally changed how gas fees are calculated and managed on the Ethereum network.

Understanding Gas Fees Before EIP-1559

Before the introduction of EIP-1559, Ethereum's gas fee system operated on a simple auction model. Users would specify a gas price they were willing to pay, and miners would prioritize transactions based on the highest bids. This system often resulted in high volatility in gas prices, especially during periods of network congestion. Users frequently experienced unpredictable and sometimes exorbitant fees, which could make transactions costly and frustrating.

The New Fee Structure with EIP-1559

EIP-1559 fundamentally altered this model by introducing a base fee and an optional tip. The base fee is algorithmically determined by the network and adjusts based on the current block's usage. If a block is full, the base fee increases; if it's underutilized, the base fee decreases. This dynamic adjustment helps to keep the network's throughput stable and makes fees more predictable for users.

In addition to the base fee, users can include a tip, also known as a priority fee, to incentivize miners to include their transaction in the next block. Unlike the base fee, which is burned and taken out of circulation, the tip goes directly to the miner. This dual-fee structure aims to balance network efficiency with miner incentives.

Impact on Gas Fee Predictability

One of the primary benefits of EIP-1559 is the increased predictability of gas fees. Before its implementation, users had to manually adjust their gas prices, often multiple times, to ensure their transactions were processed in a timely manner. Now, with EIP-1559, the base fee provides a clear benchmark, and users can set a reasonable tip to expedite their transactions if needed.

Burning of Base Fees and Its Effect on Ethereum's Supply

A notable feature of EIP-1559 is the burning of the base fee. Instead of going to miners, the base fee is destroyed, effectively reducing the total supply of Ethereum over time. This deflationary mechanism can have long-term implications for the value of Ethereum, as a decreasing supply might increase the cryptocurrency's value if demand remains constant or grows.

User Experience and Adoption

The implementation of EIP-1559 has been widely regarded as a positive change for Ethereum users. The new fee structure has made transactions more user-friendly, as it reduces the need for users to constantly monitor and adjust their gas prices. Wallets and dApps have also adapted to this change, often automatically calculating the optimal base fee and tip for users, further simplifying the transaction process.

How to Use EIP-1559 in Transactions

To take advantage of EIP-1559 when making transactions on the Ethereum network, users need to understand how to set their fees effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do so:

• Choose a Compatible Wallet: Ensure you are using a wallet that supports EIP-1559. Most modern Ethereum wallets, such as MetaMask, have integrated support for the new fee structure.
• Set the Base Fee: The base fee is automatically determined by the network, so you do not need to set it manually. Your wallet will display the current base fee for you.
• Determine the Tip: Decide on an appropriate tip based on how quickly you need your transaction processed. A higher tip can expedite your transaction, but a lower tip may suffice if you're not in a hurry.
• Initiate the Transaction: Once you've set your tip, proceed with the transaction as usual. The wallet will calculate the total fee (base fee + tip) and display it to you before you confirm the transaction.

Conclusion

EIP-1559 has brought significant improvements to the Ethereum network, particularly in terms of gas fee predictability and user experience. By introducing a base fee that adjusts dynamically and a tip system for miners, EIP-1559 has made transactions more efficient and less costly for users. The burning of base fees adds an interesting deflationary aspect to Ethereum, which could have long-term effects on its value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the base fee adjustment work in EIP-1559?
   The base fee in EIP-1559 adjusts based on the current block's usage. If the block is full, the base fee increases by up to 12.5%, and if it's underutilized, it decreases by up to 12.5%. This mechanism aims to keep the network's throughput stable.

2. Can miners still prioritize transactions with EIP-1559?
   Yes, miners can prioritize transactions by choosing those with higher tips. While the base fee is burned, the tip goes directly to the miner, incentivizing them to include transactions with higher tips in the next block.

3. What happens if I set a very low tip with EIP-1559?
   Setting a very low tip may result in your transaction being processed more slowly, as miners are less incentivized to include it in the next block. However, the transaction will still be processed eventually, as the base fee ensures it remains in the transaction pool.

4. How has EIP-1559 affected the overall Ethereum ecosystem?
   EIP-1559 has improved the user experience by making gas fees more predictable and reducing the volatility of transaction costs. It has also introduced a deflationary mechanism through the burning of base fees, which could impact Ethereum's supply and value over time.