Daily
+0.016%Weekly
+0.112%Monthly
+0.48%Yearly
+6.0%Projected Returns
180 DaysUnderstanding Solana Staking
Staking Solana (SOL) allows you to earn passive rewards while contributing to network security and decentralization. Whether you’re considering running a validator, delegating to one, or using liquid staking protocols, our calculator helps estimate your potential returns based on current network conditions.
Factors Affecting Staking Returns
Validator Performance
Your chosen validator’s performance affects rewards through commission rates (ranging 0-100%, typically 5-10%), uptime, and vote participation. Each validator sets their own commission rate, which is deducted from the rewards before distribution to delegators.
Network Conditions
Solana’s inflation rewards follow a predetermined schedule, starting at 8% and decreasing to 1.5% based on the percentage of total supply staked. The rewards are distributed proportionally among all active stake accounts, adjusted for validator performance and commission.
Stake Duration
Rewards accrue per epoch (approximately 2-3 days). New stakes require one epoch for activation. Unstaking requires a cooldown period of 2-3 epochs (approximately 4-6 days) during which no rewards are earned. These periods are network-determined and cannot be shortened.
How to Use the Solana Staking Calculator
Enter Your SOL Amount
Input the amount of SOL you plan to stake. The minimum required is 0.00228288 SOL (rent-exempt minimum) for delegated staking. Liquid staking protocols may have different minimum requirements.
Select Time Period
Choose your intended staking duration. Consider that activation takes one epoch (~2-3 days), and unstaking requires a cooldown of 2-3 epochs (~4-6 days) where no rewards are earned.
Adjust APR Settings
The calculator uses current network averages by default. You can adjust based on your chosen validator’s specific commission rate and historical performance metrics.
Review Projections
Examine both SOL and USD projections. These estimates are based on current network conditions, validator performance, and market prices. Actual returns may vary as these factors change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for running a validator?
Running a Solana validator requires specific hardware: a CPU with 16+ cores (AMD Threadripper/EPYC or Intel Xeon preferred), 256GB+ RAM, PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage with high durability rating, and a reliable internet connection with 300Mbps+ symmetric bandwidth. While there’s no minimum SOL requirement for running a validator, sufficient stake is needed to consistently win leader slots and generate rewards.
How do validator commissions work?
Validator commissions are the percentage of staking rewards that validators retain from delegator earnings. Commission rates can range from 0% to 100%, though most validators charge between 5-10%. For example, with a 10% commission rate and 100 SOL in rewards, the validator would keep 10 SOL and distribute 90 SOL to delegators proportional to their stake.
What is the unstaking process?
Unstaking (deactivation) requires a cooldown period of 2-3 epochs (approximately 4-6 days) determined by the network. During this period, your SOL remains locked and does not earn rewards. After the cooldown completes, your SOL becomes fully liquid. Some liquid staking protocols offer immediate unstaking through liquidity pools, with fees varying based on market conditions and available liquidity.
What risks should I consider when staking?
Primary risks include validator performance impact on rewards, potential slashing (though not currently implemented on Solana), smart contract risks with liquid staking protocols, and market volatility affecting SOL value. The mandatory unstaking period means your funds remain locked during price fluctuations. Additionally, network upgrades or technical issues could affect staking operations.
How are staking rewards calculated?
Solana’s staking rewards are calculated based on the network’s inflation schedule (8% initially, decreasing to 1.5% based on total stake ratio), validator voting performance, and commission rates. The base inflation rate is adjusted according to the percentage of total SOL supply staked. Rewards are distributed at the end of each epoch (~2-3 days) proportional to stake amount, after accounting for validator commission.