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3. KHeavyHash

KHeavyHash Algorithm

By CoinCalculators Team

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.

How KHeavyHash Works

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.

Coins Using KHeavyHash

GPU vs ASIC — Mining KHeavyHash in 2026

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.

Best GPU Hardware for KHeavyHash

Best ASIC Hardware for KHeavyHash

KHeavyHash Mining Profitability

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.