The PoW algorithm behind Kaspa's 1-block-per-second blockDAG.
KHeavyHash is a modified version of the HeavyHash proof-of-work algorithm, optimized for Kaspa's high-throughput blockDAG architecture. Released with the Kaspa mainnet in November 2021, it was designed to be both GPU-friendly at launch and reasonable for purpose-built ASICs as the network matured.
KHeavyHash is a matrix-based hash function. Each hash requires multiplying a heavy matrix (32×32 BLAKE3-derived) by a vector and then taking the BLAKE3 hash of the result. The matrix operation is the bottleneck — it demands fast multiply-accumulate hardware, which favors GPU compute cores and dedicated ASIC silicon in equal measure. Unlike RandomX, KHeavyHash is not deliberately ASIC-resistant; it's deliberately ASIC-friendly under a fair-launch ethos.
Kaspa launched as a GPU-only coin. From late 2023 onward, purpose-built ASICs (Antminer KS3, Goldshell KD6) entered the market and now dominate the network hash rate. GPU mining KHeavyHash is still possible but ASICs deliver 5,000–10,000× the output per dollar of capex. A single Antminer KS3 at 8 Th/s produces roughly the same daily revenue as a stack of ~2,100 RTX 4090s.
KHeavyHash profitability hinges almost entirely on KAS price and your electricity cost. In 2026 with KAS trading below $0.05, even efficient ASICs like the KS5 Pro need sub-$0.05/kWh power to clear daily profit. GPUs are challenged at any rate above $0.04/kWh.
What is the KHeavyHash algorithm?
KHeavyHash is the proof-of-work hash function used by the Kaspa blockchain. It's a matrix-based hash that combines a heavy 32×32 BLAKE3-derived matrix multiplication with a final BLAKE3 hash.
Which coins use KHeavyHash?
Kaspa (KAS) is the only major cryptocurrency using KHeavyHash. A few small forks exist but have minimal market activity.
Is KHeavyHash ASIC or GPU?
Both. KHeavyHash was designed to allow ASIC development from launch (unlike RandomX). It launched GPU-only and has been ASIC-dominated since late 2023.
Can you still GPU mine Kaspa profitably?
Only at very low electricity costs (under $0.04/kWh) with efficient cards like the RTX 4090, 3090, or 3080. Above $0.10/kWh, GPU mining KHeavyHash is generally unprofitable in 2026.