Inscriptions Tx Count
Daily count of transactions containing one or more OP_RETURN outputs - proxy for ordinals tx volume. Approximation ~85-95% accuracy (taproot witness post-2023 not captured).
What is it?
This metric measures the absolute daily count of transactions containing at least one OP_RETURN output. Native source series : tx_count_with_op_return_output_sum_24h. It's the direct numerator of `inscriptions-tx-share` - useful for absolute value analysis (vs network total ratio). The counter captures Ordinals inscriptions via OP_RETURN + historical metadata protocols (Counterparty, Omni, Stamps).
How to read
Log-scale Y axis recommended to absorb amplitude (pre-2023 typical baseline <5K transactions daily, post-Ordinals peaks >100K). A rising curve indicates OP_RETURN activity intensification. Peaks correspond to structural waves (BRC-20 March-April 2023, Runes April 2024). Stabilization at a new plateau indicates a structural regime change (e.g. post-Ordinals genesis).
Key zones
Pre-Ordinals genesis (before 2023-01-20) : typical baseline level <5K tx daily (marginal Counterparty/Omni usage). Post-genesis : new structural regime around 30K-80K tx daily in normal phase, with extreme peaks >150K during BRC-20 / Runes waves. Post-Ordinals baseline depends on ordinals sentiment and mempool demand in quiet phase.
What to observe
Compare the ABSOLUTE LEVEL with `inscriptions-tx-share` (relative ratio). Count rising + stable ratio = general network growth (not ordinals specific). Count rising + ratio rising = real dominant ordinals acceleration. Gradual count decline = structural cooling ; decline with stable ratio = general network slowdown (not ordinals specific).
Historical context
Pre-Ordinals genesis (before 2023-01-20) : baseline typically <5K tx daily (marginal Counterparty/Omni usage). Post-genesis 2023 : explosion to 30-50K tx daily within weeks, then peak >150K in March 2023 (BRC-20). Stabilization around 40-60K mid-2023, new peak November 2023 (sat names). Post-halving 2024-04-19 + Runes launch : return to levels >100K for several weeks.
Expert notes
The OP_RETURN counter covers Counterparty (2014), Omni (2013), Stamps (2023-03), early Ordinals (2023+) via classic OP_RETURN. Taproot witness inscriptions (Casey Rodarmor optimized technique 2023+) ARE NOT COUNTED - approximation ~85-95% vs strict aggregator. For absolute Ordinals counting, requires a dedicated witness parser out of native source scope. Trinity prioritizes the native-source pattern for pipeline consistency.
Common mistakes to avoid
The OP_RETURN counter includes ANY transaction with ≥1 OP_RETURN output, not only Ordinals inscriptions : Counterparty, Omni (Tether issued on Bitcoin before Liquid), Stamps, and some metadata messages are included. For pure Ordinals analysis, the gap vs strict aggregator is ~5-15%. The metric remains consistent DIRECTIONALLY (ordinals regime dominates post-2023). Not to be used for fine absolute Ordinals counting.
Programmatic access
REST API
curl -sS \
'https://api.trinityinsights.io/api/v1/onchain/inscriptions-tx-count/history?days=90' \
-H 'X-API-Key: $TRINITY_API_KEY'MCP server
{
"tool": "get_chart_value",
"metric_id": "inscriptions-tx-count",
"timeframe": "1y"
}Required tier: pro. See the pricing grid for the tier list and the MCP documentation for multi-client configuration.
Related metrics
Institutional disclaimer
Trinity Insights is an educational and analytical tool. The metric above does not constitute investment advice. Trinity Insights is not a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) registered under MiCA Regulation (EU) 2023/1114. See the full disclaimer.