Definition
In Bitcoin mining context, an epoch refers to the 2,016-block period between difficulty adjustments. The term helps miners and analysts discuss difficulty changes: ‘this epoch saw a 5% difficulty increase’ means the most recent 2,016-block adjustment resulted in 5% higher difficulty.
Monitoring epoch progress and predicted adjustments helps miners anticipate changes in mining profitability. If the current epoch is running ahead of schedule (blocks faster than 10 minutes), difficulty will increase at the next adjustment.
In Simple Terms
A 2,016-block period between difficulty adjustments. Each epoch lasts roughly two weeks.
A period of 2,016 blocks between difficulty adjustments. Each epoch takes approximately two weeks if blocks are found at the target 10-minute interval.