Rollup Fee Calculator
Understand the cost savings of using rollup technology compared to Ethereum mainnet. Enter how many transactions you plan to process and see immediate results.
Example: 10 transactions = $7.50 on mainnet vs $0.30 on ZK-rollup
Ethereum Mainnet
$7.50 per transaction
$75.00
High gas fees for standard transactions
Optimistic Rollup
$0.07 per transaction
$0.70
Faster transactions with 7-day challenge period
ZK-Rollup
$0.03 per transaction
$0.30
Instant finality with zero-knowledge proofs
Total Savings
$74.70Rollup technology isn’t just another buzzword in blockchain-it’s the quiet engine driving the next wave of adoption. Right now, Ethereum handles about 15 transactions per second. That’s fine for digital art and DeFi experiments, but it’s nowhere near enough for billions of users sending payments, playing games, or using apps that need to feel as fast as Instagram. Rollups fix that. They take thousands of transactions off the main chain, bundle them into one, and submit them back with a tiny cryptographic proof. The result? Lower fees, faster speeds, and the same security as Bitcoin or Ethereum. And this is just the beginning.
How Rollups Work (Without the Jargon)
Imagine you’re at a crowded coffee shop. Everyone wants to pay with cash, but the register can only process one transaction at a time. The line grows. Now imagine instead that ten people hand their cash to one person who counts it all, writes down a single receipt, and gives it to the cashier. The cashier checks the total, nods, and approves it. The whole line is gone in seconds. That’s what a rollup does.
On a blockchain like Ethereum, every transaction needs to be verified by every node. That’s slow and expensive. Rollups move that work off-chain. Operators collect hundreds or thousands of transactions, run them through a fast, private system, and then post just one summary to Ethereum. This summary includes either a cryptographic proof (in ZK-rollups) or a promise that the transactions are valid (in Optimistic Rollups). Ethereum doesn’t re-run every transaction-it just checks the proof or waits for someone to challenge it. Either way, security stays intact.
ZK-Rollups vs. Optimistic Rollups: The Two Paths
Not all rollups are the same. There are two main types, and each has a different way of proving things are correct.
ZK-rollups use math called zero-knowledge proofs. Think of it like proving you know a secret without saying the secret. The rollup generates a tiny, ironclad proof that says, “These 10,000 transactions are valid.” Ethereum verifies that proof in seconds. No waiting. No challenges. That’s why ZK-rollups are faster to finalize. Projects like zkSync, StarkNet, and Polygon zkEVM are built on this. They’re great for payments, trading, and anything where speed and privacy matter.
Optimistic Rollups take a different approach. They assume everything is fine unless someone says otherwise. After transactions are processed off-chain, the results are posted to Ethereum. But there’s a 7-day window where anyone can challenge a transaction if they think it’s fake. If a challenge happens, the system runs the transaction again on Ethereum to check. This delay makes them slower to finalize-but they’re cheaper to build and support more complex smart contracts. Arbitrum and Optimism are the big names here. They power most DeFi apps today because they’re flexible and already working at scale.
So which is better? It depends. Need speed and privacy? Go ZK. Need to run a full DeFi protocol with complex logic? Optimistic might be your pick. But the line between them is blurring. ZK-proof tech is getting cheaper to generate. Optimistic systems are cutting their challenge windows. Both are improving fast.
Why Rollups Are the Only Real Scaling Answer
There have been other scaling ideas. Sidechains. Plasma chains. State channels. Most failed. Why? They gave up security. Sidechains have their own validators-you’re trusting a new network. That’s not blockchain. Rollups don’t do that. They use Ethereum’s security. Every rollup is anchored to Ethereum. Even if the rollup operator goes dark, users can still withdraw their funds directly to Ethereum. That’s huge.
And the cost savings? Massive. On Ethereum mainnet, a simple token swap might cost $5-$10. On an Optimistic Rollup like Arbitrum? It’s often under $0.10. On a ZK-rollup? Sometimes as low as $0.02. For micropayments-like tipping a content creator or paying for a stream-those numbers make it possible. On-chain, it’s not even worth the gas fee. Off-chain? It’s trivial.
Bitcoin is catching up too. Projects like Lightning Network were the first attempt at scaling Bitcoin, but they’re limited to payments. New Bitcoin rollups, like those built with the Taproot upgrade, are starting to support smart contracts. Imagine sending a Bitcoin-based loan or a decentralized exchange directly on Bitcoin’s network. That’s the future-and rollups make it real.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
The next 24 months will be critical. Rollups are no longer experiments-they’re live, used by millions, and handling billions in value. But they’re still young. Here’s what’s coming:
- Better compression: Right now, rollups still send transaction data on-chain. New techniques like data availability sampling and blob transactions (EIP-4844) will reduce that data by 90%. Less data = lower fees = more users.
- Interoperability: Today, you can’t easily move from Arbitrum to zkSync without bridging. That’s clunky. New protocols like the ERC-7212 standard and cross-rollup messaging are making it seamless. In a year, you’ll hop between rollups like switching Wi-Fi networks.
- Modular blockchains: Instead of one chain doing everything, future systems will split roles: one chain for execution (rollups), another for data, another for consensus. Rollups will be the execution layer in this new architecture.
- Hardware acceleration: Generating ZK proofs is still computationally heavy. New chips and open-source tools are making it faster and cheaper. Soon, even smartphones could generate proofs.
And Bitcoin rollups? They’re not a side note anymore. With Taproot, Bitcoin can now run smart contracts natively. Rollups will let Bitcoin support DeFi, NFTs, and even DAOs-all while keeping its 15-year security track record. That’s a game-changer.
Who’s Winning? The Players to Watch
It’s not just about tech-it’s about adoption. Right now, the leaders are clear:
- Arbitrum and Optimism: Dominating DeFi and NFTs. Used by Uniswap, Aave, and OpenSea.
- zkSync and StarkNet: Leading in ZK tech. Fast, cheap, privacy-focused. Popular with traders and Web3 gamers.
- Polygon zkEVM: Bringing Ethereum compatibility to ZK-rollups. Easy for devs to port apps.
- Scroll and Linea: Newer entrants with strong backing and faster proof generation.
- Bitcoin rollups (e.g., Stacks, Lightning Network upgrades): Still early, but growing fast. Expect major DeFi apps on Bitcoin by 2026.
There’s no single winner. Different rollups serve different needs. Some are for speed. Others for privacy. Some for compatibility. The ecosystem is becoming diverse-and that’s a good thing.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters
Rollups aren’t just about faster transactions. They’re about making blockchain usable for normal people. Right now, most people avoid crypto because it’s slow, expensive, and confusing. Rollups fix that. They turn blockchain from a niche tool into something that can run the internet’s next generation of apps.
Imagine a world where:
- You pay $0.01 to stream music and the artist gets paid instantly.
- Your smart fridge orders groceries and pays for them in crypto without you lifting a finger.
- You play a game where your items are real NFTs, and you can sell them for real money-with no lag.
That’s not sci-fi. It’s what rollups are building. And it’s happening now.
What Could Go Wrong?
No technology is perfect. Rollups have risks:
- Centralization: Most rollups are run by a small group of operators. If they collude or go offline, users could be stuck. Decentralized sequencers are being tested to fix this.
- Smart contract bugs: Rollups are complex. A flaw in the code could be exploited. Audits are improving, but it’s still a risk.
- Regulation: Governments may try to control rollups since they handle so much value. That’s a threat-but also a sign they’re working.
These aren’t dealbreakers. They’re challenges being solved right now. The community is moving fast.
Are rollups safer than sidechains?
Yes. Sidechains have their own security and validators. If the sidechain gets hacked, your money is gone. Rollups inherit Ethereum’s security. Even if the rollup operator disappears, you can still withdraw your funds directly to Ethereum. That’s a huge safety advantage.
Can I use rollups without knowing how they work?
Absolutely. Most wallets and apps hide the complexity. You just send ETH to an address, and it goes to Arbitrum or zkSync automatically. You pay lower fees and get faster results. You don’t need to understand zero-knowledge proofs to use them.
Will rollups replace Ethereum mainnet?
No. Ethereum mainnet will remain the anchor. It’s where finality happens, where disputes are settled, and where assets are secured. Rollups are like highways that feed into a central hub. They handle the traffic, but the hub keeps everything safe.
Are ZK-rollups better than Optimistic Rollups?
It depends. ZK-rollups are faster and more private, but harder to build for complex apps. Optimistic Rollups are easier for developers and support more smart contracts today. Both are improving. In a few years, the gap will be tiny.
Can Bitcoin really use rollups?
Yes. With Taproot, Bitcoin can now verify ZK proofs on-chain. Projects like Stacks and BOLT are building Bitcoin rollups that allow DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts-all while keeping Bitcoin’s security. It’s early, but it’s real.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re holding ETH or BTC, you’re already in the right place. Start using apps on Arbitrum, zkSync, or Polygon zkEVM. Swap tokens, send payments, try a game. See how fast and cheap it is. If you’re a developer, learn Solidity on zkSync or Optimism-they’re the future of dApp building. If you’re just curious, follow the top rollup projects. This isn’t a trend. It’s the foundation of the next decade of blockchain.
Bruce Bynum
Rollups are the real deal. No more $10 gas fees just to swap tokens. I paid 2 cents yesterday on zkSync and didn’t even notice.
Game changer.
bob marley
Oh great, another crypto bro preaching about ‘the future’ while ignoring that every rollup is just a centralized server farm with a fancy whitepaper.
They’re not decentralized-they’re just hiding behind math.
Wake up.
It’s still Wall Street with extra steps.
Mehak Sharma
Let me tell you something about ZK-proofs-they’re not magic, they’re mathematics dressed in blockchain couture.
Zero-knowledge doesn’t mean secret, it means verifiable without revealing.
Think of it like proving you’re over 21 without showing your ID.
That’s elegance.
And yes, Optimistic rollups are clunky with their 7-day waiting games-like asking your neighbor to vouch for you before you can leave the party.
But ZK is the silent assassin of scalability.
It doesn’t shout, it just works.
And soon, even your toaster will generate proofs.
Hardware acceleration is coming faster than you think.
We’re not talking about 2027-we’re talking 2025.
And Bitcoin rollups? That’s the sleeper hit.
Taproot didn’t just upgrade Bitcoin-it gave it a spine for smart contracts.
Soon, BTC will host DeFi without ever leaving its own chain.
And yes, I’ve used all of them.
Arbitrum for DeFi, zkSync for gaming, Polygon for dev testing.
Each has its soul.
Stop treating them like interchangeable apps.
They’re ecosystems.
And we’re just seeing the first brushstrokes.
Brett Benton
Just tried swapping USDC on zkSync-felt like using a supercar after driving a bicycle.
Why are people still on mainnet? 😅
It’s 2025, not 2018.
Edgerton Trowbridge
It is imperative to acknowledge that while rollup technology represents a significant advancement in blockchain scalability, the underlying infrastructure remains vulnerable to systemic centralization risks.
Operator collusion, sequencer monopolies, and the absence of fully decentralized proving networks continue to undermine the foundational ethos of decentralization.
One must not conflate efficiency with integrity.
The fact that users can withdraw funds to Ethereum does not absolve the rollup of its responsibility to maintain operational transparency.
Furthermore, the reliance on cryptographic proofs introduces a new class of attack vectors, particularly in the realm of proof-generation hardware.
It is not sufficient to declare victory because fees have decreased; one must also interrogate the power structures enabling such reductions.
True innovation does not merely optimize existing hierarchies-it dismantles them.
Until sequencers are permissionless and provers are distributed across thousands of independent nodes, we are merely building faster castles on sand.
Let us not mistake scalability for sovereignty.
The Ethereum mainnet anchors security, yes-but it cannot anchor justice.
And justice, in blockchain, is decentralization.
So while I applaud the engineering, I remain skeptical of the governance.
Proceed with caution, and always audit the operators behind the curtain.
Ron Cassel
They’re lying about ZK-proofs.
They’re not secure-they’re just hiding the code.
What if the proof generators are compromised?
What if the devs have a backdoor?
They say ‘trustless’ but you’re trusting a handful of Chinese engineers running servers in a data center no one’s ever seen.
And Optimistic? Even worse.
7-day challenge window? That’s a trap.
They want you to think you’re safe-but what if the whole network goes dark?
Who’s gonna challenge? The bots?
And Bitcoin rollups?
Ha.
Bitcoin was never meant for this.
They’re turning it into Ethereum 2.0 and calling it innovation.
It’s a scam.
They’re selling you a lie wrapped in math.
Wait till the SEC comes knocking.
Then you’ll see how ‘decentralized’ these rollups really are.
Malinda Black
Thank you for writing this so clearly-I’ve been trying to explain rollups to my mom for months 😊
She finally gets it now!
And honestly, I think the most beautiful part is how different rollups serve different needs.
It’s like having different types of cars-some for speed, some for family, some for off-roading.
No need to force everyone into the same model.
Also, I love how ZK-proofs feel like magic but are actually just really smart math.
It’s like a secret handshake that only the blockchain understands.
So cool.
And yes, Bitcoin rollups? I didn’t even know that was possible until today.
Now I’m excited to watch it grow.
Let’s keep building, kindly, together 💙
naveen kumar
You speak of rollups as if they are inevitable progress
But what if the entire premise is flawed
What if the real problem is not scalability but the false promise of decentralized finance
Why should anyone trust a system that requires complex mathematics to function
And why must users rely on centralized sequencers for basic transactions
Rollups do not solve decentralization
They merely obscure it with efficiency
And you praise Bitcoin rollups as if they are a revelation
Yet Bitcoin was designed to be simple
Not to become a playground for DeFi engineers
Who gave you the right to redefine its purpose
Perhaps the true innovation is not in scaling
But in rejecting the need to scale at all
ISAH Isah
Rollups are a brilliant solution to a problem that should not have existed
Blockchain was never meant to be a global payment network
It was meant to be a ledger of truth
By forcing it to behave like Visa
We have corrupted its essence
And now we celebrate lower fees as victory
When in truth we have surrendered to the very system we sought to overthrow
The real tragedy is not that Ethereum is slow
But that we have accepted its transformation into a corporate infrastructure
with a blockchain-shaped veneer
And you call this progress?
It is merely evolution in the direction of power
Not freedom
Helen Hardman
I just wanna say I tried using Arbitrum for the first time last week and I cried a little 😭
Not because it broke-because it worked so smoothly.
I sent $5 to my cousin in Mexico and it cleared in 3 seconds for 3 cents.
She didn’t even know what a rollup was.
She just got her money.
And that’s the magic.
This isn’t for devs.
This is for people who just want to send money without paying a bank fee.
And now I’m telling everyone I know.
My aunt is buying crypto now.
My neighbor is using zkSync to tip his street artist.
It’s happening.
And it’s beautiful.
Don’t let the haters ruin this moment.
We’re building something real here.
And it’s for everyone.
Not just the techies.
For real people.
And that’s the win.
Thank you for making this so clear 💕
Genevieve Rachal
Let’s be real-rollups are just a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.
You think lowering fees means adoption?
Try explaining to a grandmother why she needs to bridge her ETH to Arbitrum.
Or why she can’t just send it like PayPal.
And the security claims? Please.
Every rollup has a 3-person team running the sequencer.
One of them got fired last month.
Who’s monitoring the code now?
And ZK-proofs? They’re computationally insane.
Only big firms can afford to generate them.
So who’s really ‘decentralized’ here?
Big VC-backed teams with ASIC farms.
And Bitcoin rollups?
That’s like putting a turbocharger on a horse.
It might go faster-but it’s still a horse.
Stop pretending this is innovation.
It’s just rebranding centralization with math jargon.
DeeDee Kallam
i just tried zkSync and it was so fast i thought my phone glitched
then i realized… ohhhhh this is what they meant by ‘no gas fees’
wait i’m crying again
why is this so emotional
it’s just crypto
but it feels like… freedom
like i can finally use the internet without paying a toll
why did it take so long
why did we wait
why did we let them make us suffer
thank you
thank you
thank you
Monty Tran
Rollups are not the future they are the inevitable consequence of a failed consensus mechanism
Ethereum was never designed for mass adoption
It was designed for speculation
And now we are patching it with cryptographic gymnastics
Do not mistake efficiency for legitimacy
The fact that you can now send a dollar for two cents does not make the system just
It merely makes it more palatable to the masses
And what of the energy cost of generating ZK proofs?
Who calculates that?
And who benefits?
Not you
Not the user
But the operators
The ones who control the sequencers
The ones who own the proving infrastructure
Rollups are not liberation
They are refinement of control
Jeremy Jaramillo
I’ve been in crypto since 2017.
I’ve seen the hype cycles.
I’ve lost money.
I’ve been burned.
But this? This feels different.
Not because it’s flashy.
But because it’s quiet.
No one’s screaming about mooning.
No one’s selling NFTs of apes.
Just developers building.
Users using.
Fees dropping.
Speed rising.
And people who never cared about crypto are now sending money to their families across borders.
That’s the real win.
Not the price chart.
Not the token.
But the human connection.
That’s what matters.
Keep building.
Don’t stop.
Debby Ananda
Oh my god, I just read this and I’m so emotional 🥹
Like, I literally wore my favorite sweater while reading it.
And I cried a little because finally-finally-someone explained this without making me feel stupid.
ZK-proofs are like… a secret code that only the blockchain understands?
Yes.
And Bitcoin rollups?
That’s the plot twist I didn’t know I needed.
It’s like finding out your quiet neighbor is actually a superhero.
And I’m so proud to be alive during this time.
Thank you for this.
I’m telling all my friends.
Even the ones who still think crypto is a scam.
They’re gonna change their minds.
Because this is art.
And I’m crying again.
Why is this so beautiful?
😭💖
Bhavna Suri
This is just more crypto nonsense.
Everyone is pretending rollups solve something.
They don’t.
They just make it cheaper to gamble.
And now you want me to believe Bitcoin can do DeFi?
It’s not a blockchain-it’s a digital gold meme.
Stop trying to make it something it’s not.
I’m done.
Just let it die already.
Phil Higgins
There is a deeper philosophical question here: if a transaction is processed off-chain but settled on-chain, is it truly on-chain?
Or is it merely delegated?
Rollups shift the burden of computation-but not the burden of trust.
Who validates the sequencer?
Who audits the proving circuit?
And if the operator vanishes, is withdrawal truly freedom-or just a legal loophole?
True decentralization requires redundancy, not just fallbacks.
Rollups are a necessary step-but they are not the destination.
The destination is a network where every node can verify, generate, and challenge without permission.
That is the horizon.
And we are still walking toward it.
Elizabeth Melendez
I’m not a techie but I’ve been using zkSync for a month now and I just wanna say… I’m obsessed.
Like, I check my balance like it’s a dating app.
‘Ohhh you’re still here? Good.’
And the fees? I sent $20 to my sister and it cost less than my coffee.
She didn’t even know what crypto was.
She just got her money.
And I felt like a wizard.
Also, I tried to use Arbitrum for a game and my phone froze.
But then I realized-I was using the wrong wallet.
So I switched.
And boom.
Instant.
Like magic.
And I’m not even mad about the 7-day wait on Optimistic.
It’s like waiting for your food to be cooked right.
It’s worth it.
And now I’m telling my whole family.
My dad just bought his first ETH.
He said, ‘If it’s this cheap, why not?’
That’s the future.
Not the hype.
Just… people.
Using tech.
Without the stress.
And I’m here for it.
💖
Sammy Krigs
rollups are cool but like… why do they all have such weird names
Arbitrum? zkSync? Linea? Scroll?
It’s like they’re trying to sound like sci-fi movies
Also I tried to bridge my ETH and I think I lost it
idk what I did wrong
but now I’m scared to use anything
can someone help?
pls
Jason Coe
I’ve been following this for years.
When I first heard about rollups, I thought it was hype.
Then I saw Arbitrum’s fees drop below $0.05.
Then I saw zkSync do a token swap for 0.002 ETH.
Then I saw someone pay for a digital comic with crypto and it cleared before the page loaded.
That’s when I realized-this isn’t an upgrade.
This is a revolution.
And it’s quiet.
No one’s screaming on Twitter.
No one’s doing livestreams.
Just people using it.
And it’s working.
It’s not perfect.
There are bugs.
There are centralized parts.
But the direction? Unmistakable.
We’re not just scaling.
We’re redefining what digital value means.
And honestly?
I’m proud to be here.
Thank you for writing this.
It’s the best summary I’ve read.
Eli PINEDA
wait so if i use a rollup and the sequencer goes down… i can still get my money out?
like… for real?
but how?
i thought i had to trust them
can someone explain like i’m 5?
and why is this not on the news?
i feel like i’ve been missing out on the biggest thing ever
Eric Redman
Rollups? More like roll-ups.
Like, you roll up your transactions and then someone else rolls them again.
And then you pay for the roll.
And then you’re like… why am I still here?
Also, why is everyone so excited?
It’s just faster crypto.
Same people.
Same scams.
Same guys yelling ‘to the moon’.
Just with a lower gas fee.
So… what’s the big deal?
Oh wait-
it’s cheaper.
Okay fine.
I’m impressed.
But don’t act like this is the endgame.
It’s just the next level of the same game.
And I’m still not buying NFTs.
Nabil ben Salah Nasri
This is incredible 🌟 I just shared this with my book club and they were blown away!
One of them is a retired teacher and she said, ‘So it’s like a library system for money?’
And I said YES!
That’s the perfect analogy!
And now she wants to try it!
Also, I love how you compared it to a coffee shop line-so relatable!
And the part about Bitcoin rollups? I didn’t even know that was possible!
Now I’m excited to see what happens next!
Thank you for making this so clear and joyful! 💖✨
Let’s keep building a better internet-for everyone!
Bruce Bynum
Just saw someone on Twitter say ‘ZK-rollups are just centralized servers with fancy math.’
And I laughed.
Because they’re right.
And they’re wrong.
Yes, they’re centralized now.
But so was Ethereum in 2015.
And look where it is now.
Decentralization isn’t a feature you launch with.
It’s a process.
And rollups are the first real step toward a scalable, secure, decentralized internet.
Not perfect.
But the only path forward.
And if you’re not using one yet?
You’re still living in 2018.
Genevieve Rachal
Oh so now you’re saying ‘it’s just like Ethereum in 2015’?
That’s your defense?
Because the same people who said that in 2015 are still holding ETH and broke.
And now you’re betting on a new version of the same lie?
Rollups are not the future.
They’re the last gasp of a dying model.
And you’re the guy selling the life jacket.
While the ship is already sinking.