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Total Value Locked (TVL)

defi · metrics

The estimated value of assets deposited in a DeFi protocol, app, chain, or ecosystem at a point in time.

1.definition

Total value locked (TVL) adds up assets deposited into smart contracts such as lending markets, DEX pools, staking contracts, and bridges. It is commonly quoted in a fiat unit for comparison.

2.caveats

TVL is an adoption signal, not a safety score. It can change because of price moves, incentive programs, leverage loops, double-counting of wrapped assets, or temporary liquidity mining rewards.

Related terms

All terms and definitions may update as the Cryptionary improves.