Lightning Capacity Concentration (Gini)
Gini coefficient of Lightning Network capacity distribution across nodes. A score of 0 means perfectly distributed; 1 means one node holds all capacity. Monitors centralization risk over time.
What is it?
The Gini coefficient is a classic measure of inequality, here applied to Lightning capacity distribution among nodes. A Gini of 0 would mean every node has exactly the same capacity (perfectly decentralized). A Gini of 1 would mean one single node holds all capacity (totally centralized). In practice, networks like Lightning have a high Gini (power-law distribution) but its evolution over time reveals whether the network is centralizing or decentralizing.
How to read
Two complementary series: (1) Gini coefficient 0-1 (left axis, gold series) - a descending line = increasing decentralization, a rising line = centralization. (2) Top-10 largest nodes capacity share in % (right axis, red series) - zooms on the distribution's top, more actionable than a global Gini. Compare both series: stable Gini but rising Top-10 = concentration toward a few hubs. Falling Gini but stable Top-10 = long-tail decentralization.
Key zones
A Gini around 0.80-0.85 is typical for Lightning. Above 0.90, the network would be concerning in terms of centralization. Below 0.75, it would be remarkably decentralized for a payment network.
What to observe
Sudden Gini changes indicate the arrival or departure of large players. A rapid drop may mean a large node closed its channels (mechanical redistribution). A rapid rise may mean a new major player opened many large channels.
Historical context
The Lightning Network Gini has shown a slightly downward trend since 2021, which is positive - the network is gradually decentralizing as new operators enter. Centralization spikes have coincided with massive channel openings by ACINQ (Phoenix), River, and other large LSPs.
Expert notes
Gini is calculated on public channels only. If private channels are more uniformly distributed (likely for mobile wallets), the actual Gini is probably lower than displayed. Calculation is on nodes (not individual channels) - each node is weighted by its total capacity. **Methodology note**: the series combines two calculation methods - a `1 - (median/mean)` proxy from aggregated historical stats for older days (extended coverage), and the actual Gini coefficient computed on top 100 nodes (network gossip) for daily snapshots. A transition between methods can produce a slight step on some points - this is a transition artifact, not a network event. Daily snapshots progressively converge toward a 100% live-calibrated series.
Common mistakes to avoid
A high Gini is not necessarily 'bad' - efficient payment networks benefit from well-connected hubs (like airports for airlines). The issue is only if a few nodes become single points of failure without viable alternatives.
Programmatic access
REST API
curl -sS \
'https://api.trinityinsights.io/api/v1/onchain/ln-concentration-gini/history?days=90' \
-H 'X-API-Key: $TRINITY_API_KEY'MCP server
{
"tool": "get_chart_value",
"metric_id": "ln-concentration-gini",
"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.