--- title: "What is the EDGE Token?" description: "EDGE is the utility token of the Edge Network, used to pay for cloud services, stake nodes, and take part in governance. A factual guide to how it works." url: https://edge.network/academy/what-is-the-edge-token/ --- # What is the EDGE Token? [Back to Academy](https://edge.network/academy) Information 6 min read # What is the EDGE Token? EDGE is the utility token behind the Edge Network — the mechanism that pays for services, secures nodes, and coordinates a decentralised cloud. ## EDGE, defined EDGE (often written $EDGE) is the utility token of the [Edge Network](https://edge.network/network), a decentralised cloud platform powered by independent node operators. It is used to purchase Edge services, to stake nodes into the network, for governance, and for node rewards. EDGE is also available as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum, bridged 1:1 with the token on Edge's own blockchain. Unlike tokens whose only function is to be traded, EDGE is tied to working infrastructure: a network of 994 nodes delivering [CDN](https://edge.network/cdn), [storage](https://edge.network/storage), [compute](https://edge.network/compute/gpus), and [DNS](https://edge.network/dns) services to real customers. ## EDGE and XE: how they fit together Edge runs its own Layer 1 blockchain, known as **XE** — a chain designed for fast, fee-free transactions mapped to resource usage within the network. XE is the economic and coordination layer: it records staking, node activity, governance, and rewards. **EDGE** is the tradable utility token, available as an ERC-20 on Ethereum and bridged 1:1 in and out of the Edge chain via the network bridge. In practice: node operators stake and earn on the XE chain, and the bridge connects that internal economy to Ethereum, where EDGE can be held in any wallet that supports ERC-20 tokens. When services are purchased in EDGE, the tokens are automatically bridged into the network. For the full picture of the chain itself, read [What is XE and how does it Power Edge?](https://edge.network/academy/what-is-xe) ## What the EDGE token is used for EDGE has four core functions within the network: ### Paying for Services Cloud services on Edge — CDN, compute, storage, DNS — can be purchased directly in EDGE. Card payments are also supported. ### Node Staking Edge is a proof-of-stake network. Contributing a node requires a stake, locked for the duration the node is online. Bad actors have their stake penalised and burned. ### Governance Holding a stake in the network allows participation in governance: proposals covering protocol parameters, funds, and network upgrades. ### Node Rewards Operators earn rewards for the capacity they contribute, drawn from a dedicated node reward pool released gradually over time. ## Supply and tokenomics A total of 50 million EDGE were minted and distributed at genesis, with a further 10 million locked in the network to be released as node rewards. Rewards are emitted on a declining curve — a maximum of 10% of the remaining reward pool per year — so emissions decrease every year. The network also has deflationary mechanics: 25% of network revenue is burned monthly, sent to the chain's zero address, and stakes reclaimed from misbehaving nodes are burned too. Changes to tokenomics run through project governance. The full breakdown — initial distribution, emission schedules, the bridge, and supply endpoints for verification — is maintained in the [Edge tokenomics wiki](https://wiki.edge.network/getting-started/edge-tokenomics/). ## A token backed by working infrastructure The distinguishing feature of EDGE is that demand comes from usage. Developers and organisations pay for cloud services; operators stake to contribute nodes and earn rewards for serving traffic. Every part of the token's design maps to a function of the [decentralised cloud](https://edge.network/academy/what-is-a-decentralised-cloud) it supports. Edge deliberately avoids price talk. The token exists to make the network work — aligning the interests of the people who provide capacity with the people who use it — not as a speculative instrument. ## Where EDGE is available EDGE has been available to trade on Uniswap since September 2021, via a single $EDGE:$WETH pairing on a Uniswap V3 pool. As an ERC-20 token it can be held in any Ethereum wallet that supports custom tokens, and bridged into the Edge Network 1:1 using the network bridge. Details, contract addresses, and token tracking links are listed in the [wiki](https://wiki.edge.network/getting-and-storing-tokens/exchanges). You don't need to hold EDGE to use the platform — services can be paid for by card as well, with [free tiers](https://edge.network/pricing) across CDN, storage, and DNS to get started. ## See the network EDGE powers Explore the infrastructure behind the token, or try the platform free — no card required. [Explore Our Network](https://edge.network/network) [Start Free](https://edge.network/account) ## Related articles [What is XE and how does it Power Edge? 7 min](https://edge.network/academy/what-is-xe) [What is a Decentralised Cloud? 8 min](https://edge.network/academy/what-is-a-decentralised-cloud) [What is an Edge Network? 8 min](https://edge.network/academy/what-is-an-edge-network) Coming soon ### Edge Accreditation Become a certified Edge practitioner. A structured programme covering the whole platform, with a verifiable certificate at the end. Sign up now for updates. [Learn more about accreditation](https://edge.network/accreditation)