Coins and Algorithms·9 min·updated November 13, 2026

Bitcoin SHA-256 and Zcash Equihash: How Mining Algorithms Differ

SHA-256 and Equihash are different Proof-of-Work algorithms, so they cannot be compared directly using only a hashrate number. Each has its own units, ASICs, network parameters and economics.

#Bitcoin#Zcash#SHA-256#Equihash

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Bitcoin and SHA-256

Bitcoin uses SHA-256, and modern industrial mining is performed with ASIC hardware. Hashrate is usually measured in TH/s or EH/s, while J/TH is the key efficiency metric.

The SHA-256 market is highly competitive, so energy efficiency and access to cheap, stable power are critical.

Zcash and Equihash

Zcash uses a Proof-of-Work system based on Equihash. For Equihash (200,9), hashrate is often shown in Sol/s, KSol/s or MSol/s, and efficiency in J/KSol.

The official Zcash Mining Guide emphasizes that, at the current network difficulty, Zcash requires an ASIC. The device and pool must be evaluated against current conditions.