Definition
F2Pool is one of the longest-running Bitcoin mining pools, co-founded in 2013 by Chun Wang and Mao Shihang. It is also known by the nickname "Discus Fish," the origin of the "F2" (Fish-squared) name. At its early peak F2Pool reportedly commanded close to a third of network hashrate; in 2026 it sits among the larger pools at roughly 9-10%. The pool supports Bitcoin alongside 40+ other proof-of-work cryptocurrencies and pioneered several merge-mining arrangements.
Payout schemes
F2Pool offers different reward models depending on the coin, including Pay Per Share (PPS), Full Pay Per Share (FPPS), PPS+, and Pay Per Last N Shares (PPLNS). PPS+ pays the fixed block subsidy on a per-share basis while distributing transaction-fee revenue proportionally, blending the predictability of PPS with fee participation similar to PPLNS.
Notable for
F2Pool is significant historically as an early large-scale pool from the Chinese mining era and for its broad multi-coin and merge-mining support, which lets miners of certain algorithms earn auxiliary coins on the same work. Its long operating record makes it a common reference point in pool comparisons.
See also PPS+ and mining pool.
See live pool share in the pool centralization tracker.
In Simple Terms
F2Pool is one of the longest-running Bitcoin mining pools, co-founded in 2013 by Chun Wang and Mao Shihang. It is also known by the nickname…