A bold new proposal could overhaul how Bitcoin’s smallest units are represented, marking a shift that proponents say would simplify usage and align better with how the protocol actually works.
John Carvalho, CEO of Synonym, has introduced BIP 177 — a proposal aimed at redefining Bitcoin’s base unit structure. The idea? Eliminate the long-used “satoshi” (or “sat”) denomination and instead treat one full Bitcoin (BTC) as a whole unit composed of 100 million individual “Bitcoins” in name. In this model, ₿10,000 would represent what we currently know as 0.00010000 BTC.
The technical reasoning stems from a subtle yet crucial observation: Bitcoin’s ledger doesn’t use decimal values. Instead, all balances and transactions are stored in whole integers, with decimal points added later for human readability. Carvalho argues that this convention leads to misunderstandings and unnecessary complexity, particularly for newcomers.
Backed by supporters such as Block CEO Jack Dorsey, the proposed change aims to improve clarity and reduce errors by representing values in clean integers, not fractions. Under the plan, the term “BTC” would still apply to the total supply, and the network’s cap of 21 million coins remains unchanged. The update is strictly visual and educational — no actual value or quantity of Bitcoin would be altered.
While the proposal hasn’t been adopted yet, it suggests optional tools like dual-display interfaces and tooltips to help users adjust to the redefined unit structure. Whether the community will embrace such a shift remains to be seen, but it’s clear the conversation around Bitcoin’s usability is evolving.
