Stacking STX

Stacking is the process of locking STX tokens to support the network's consensus and earn BTC rewards. If you aren't familiar with how stacking works, read the Stacking and Stackers and Signing concept guides first.

Stacking utilizes the pox-4 contract. You can view it on the Explorer and review the detailed stacking contract walkthrough to understand what each function does.

Definitions and Roles

• Stacker: an entity locking their STX to earn PoX rewards. This is a broad term including solo stackers and delegators.

• Solo stacker: an entity that locks their own STX and runs a signer (or collaborates with one). They don't receive delegation.

• Delegator: a stacker who delegates their STX to a pool operator. They don't run a signer.

• Pool operator: an entity that accepts delegated STX and manages the stacking process. A pool operator runs a signer (or collaborates with one). The pool operator and signer address may be different.

• Signer: an entity running the stacks-signer software that participates in block validation.

The pool operator and signer are often the same entity but may use different Stacks addresses. This distinction is covered in the Key and Address Rotation guide.

Guides

1

Solo Stacking

If you meet the minimum STX threshold and want to stack independently. Covers how to start stacking, extend your lock period, increase your position, and stop.

2

Stack with a Pool

If you want to delegate your STX to a pool operator. Covers how to delegate, increase your delegation, revoke, and stop stacking.

3

Operate a Pool

If you want to accept delegated STX and manage the stacking process. Covers how to accept delegations, commit aggregated STX, and increase committed amounts.

4

Generate a Signer Signature

Both solo stacking and delegated stacking require signer signatures. This guide covers all signature generation methods: stacks-signer CLI, stacks.js, Leather Earn, Degen Lab's stacking.tools, and hardware wallets.

5

Key and Address Rotation

How to rotate your signer key, Bitcoin reward address, and pool operator key. Includes recommendations for key separation and security.

If you do not meet the minimum amount of STX to solo stack, you can delegate your STX to a pool operator and have them stack on your behalf. This is the most common stacking scenario.

The minimum stacking threshold is dynamic and can be found at the pox endpoint under min_threshold_ustx (1 STX = 1,000,000 uSTX).