Why Crypto Exchanges and Blockchain Explorers Show Different Balances

Hey crypto fans ❄️

Recently, we discovered one interesting detail about using a crypto blockchain explorer — sometimes it shows different amounts of coins. Maybe you've already faced this situation, but let us explain what we mean.

For example, when you are waiting for a crypto transfer, you may want to check the transaction details. While the transaction is being processed, you can see the number of confirmations and the balance in two ways. The first one is a crypto platform, which you use for receiving crypto — for example, Bybit's internal system, and the second one is a blockchain explorer such as Blockchair Explorer.

Both methods must show you the same balance. This is the main purpose of these services. However, it doesn't always work. In our case, Bybit shows 0.00776281 BTC, which equals approximately $717.45 according to the currency exchange rate on that date — December 2, 2025. At the same time, Blockchair Explorer shows a different balance — 0.00786447 BTC, ~ $678.76.

Why did that happen? Let's find out!

What Is Blockchain Explorer and How Does It Work?

A blockchain explorer is a specialized online tool that allows you to view and analyze data stored on a blockchain in a clear and accessible way. In simple terms, it works like a search engine for a distributed ledger: users can look up a specific transaction, block, wallet address, or smart contract and see all related details.

The explorer connects to blockchain network nodes, reads publicly available data from blocks, and then organizes this information into a user-friendly format.

How to Use Blockchain Explorer to Track Cryptocurrency Transactions?

When you enter a transaction hash or a wallet address, the service finds the corresponding record on the blockchain and displays key information such as confirmation time, number of confirmations, sender and receiver addresses, transferred amount, and transaction fees.

In this way, any free blockchain explorer increases network transparency and allows anyone to independently verify transactions without relying on intermediaries or having deep technical knowledge of how the blockchain works.

Which Websites Offer Reliable Blockchain Explorer Tools?

Several well-known websites offer reliable blockchain explorer tools that are widely used by both beginners and professionals.

For example, Etherscan is one of the most popular explorers for the Ethereum network, providing detailed data on transactions, wallet addresses, tokens, and smart contracts.

For Bitcoin users, Blockchain.com offers a trusted and easy-to-use explorer that shows transaction history, block details, and network statistics.

The BSC ecosystem has its own Binance blockchain explorer known as BscScan. It serves a similar role to Etherscan, with clear transaction tracking and contract analysis tools.

These platforms are considered reliable because they connect directly to blockchain nodes, update data in real time, and present information in a transparent and user-friendly way, making them suitable for everyday verification and research.

What Are the Best Blockchain Explorer Services for Bitcoin and Others Crypto?

We've already mentioned BTCScan and Blockchain Explorer, but we’d also like to suggest a few services that may be useful to you.

For Bitcoin

Mempool.space: a modern, open-source Bitcoin explorer focused on real-time network data. It shows current mempool status, fee markets, transaction details, and block history. This explorer is especially helpful if you want up-to-date fee recommendations and a clear view of pending and confirmed transactions.

Blockstream.info: a privacy-focused Bitcoin blockchain explorer that offers detailed views of blocks, transactions, and addresses. It supports Bitcoin Mainnet and additional networks like Testnet and the Liquid sidechain. Its interface is clean and efficient, with options for advanced users, including tracking without cookies and support for Tor access.

For Others Crypto

• Ripple Blockchain Explorer — XRPScan. Allows users to track XRP transactions, wallet addresses, and account states, including trust lines and issued tokens. Useful for checking payment status on the XRP Ledger.

• Sui Blockchain Explorer — Sui Explorer. The official explorer for the Sui network. Helpful for analyzing transactions, on-chain objects, and smart contract activity built with the Move language.

• Tron Blockchain Explorer — Tronscan. Displays transactions, TRC-20 tokens, staking, and governance data. Especially useful for tracking USDT transfers on the Tron network.

• Avax Blockchain Explorer — SnowTrace. An explorer for Avalanche C-Chain, suitable for monitoring DeFi activity, smart contracts, and transaction fees.

• Polygon Blockchain Explorer — Polygonscan. Commonly used to verify fast and low-cost transactions on Polygon, including NFT and DeFi interactions.

• Optimism Blockchain Explorer — Optimistic Etherscan. Helps users track Ethereum Layer 2 transactions with lower fees and check rollup confirmation status.

• Arbitrum Blockchain Explorer — Arbiscan. Useful for analyzing transactions and smart contracts on the Arbitrum network, including DeFi application activity.

• Dash Blockchain Explorer — Dash Explorer. Allows users to check InstantSend transactions, blocks, and masternode information on the Dash network.

Can a Blockchain Explorer Show Real-Time Transaction Status?

Yes, a blockchain explorer can show the transaction status almost in real time, but with some limitations.

When a transaction is broadcast to the network, the explorer usually displays it immediately as unconfirmed or pending, meaning it is still waiting to be included in a block. Once miners or validators add the transaction to a block, the explorer updates its status to confirm and shows the number of confirmations it has received. Because block creation takes time and depends on network load and fees, there may be a short delay between sending a transaction and seeing it confirmed, but explorers provide the most up-to-date public view of its progress.

Thus, there is a time lag during transaction confirmation.

Why Might Blockchain Explorer and Exchange Show Different Amounts?

Now we have all the important information about how blockchain explorers work and can explain why exchanges and explorers might show different balances. Let’s return to our example at the beginning of the article.

Bybit shows 0.00776281 BTC ~ $717.45
Blockchair Explorer shows — 0.00786447 BTC ~ $678.76

The reason is simple: they show different things and calculate amounts in different ways.

First, in the Bitcoin network, a transaction doesn't work like a bank transfer. The sender doesn't send one exact amount. Instead, they use one larger “piece” of Bitcoin, and the network splits it into parts:

• one part goes to the receiver,
• another part goes back to the sender as change,
• a small part goes to miners as a network fee.

A blockchain explorer (in our case, it's Blockchair) shows the total amount involved in the transaction. This includes the part sent to you and the change sent back to the sender. You can think of it like a store receipt: it shows the full banknote used, even though some money was returned as change.

An exchange (for example, Bybit) shows only the amount that actually arrived at your deposit address. It does not include the change, because that money never belonged to you.

In addition, we have another question: why is the BTC balance higher than the balance in dollars?

There are no dollars on the blockchain — only BTC. Any USD amount you see is just an estimate. Explorers and exchanges use different exchange rates and different times to calculate the dollar value. Because of this, a larger BTC amount can sometimes look smaller in fiat.