Sign up for research and updates from the Uniswap Labs team 

Follow @Uniswap on X for the latest updates

Get Support

Connect with us

We are excited to roll out the most expansive Limit Order offering in DeFi. Users can now place Limit Orders for any token on Ethereum on the Uniswap web app.

Set and Forget Swaps: Introducing Limit Orders on Uniswap

Uniswap users can now bridge across nine networks directly from the Uniswap Interface and Uniswap Wallet.

Permissionless Bridging is Now Live

Today we’re excited to announce that the Uniswap Extension is now available for everyone to download on Chrome.

Uniswap Extension is Now Available for Everyone

Users of the Uniswap mobile app can now buy crypto with a debit card, via bank transfer, or directly from their Robinhood balance using Robinhood Connect.

Buy Crypto Using Robinhood Connect on the Uniswap Mobile App

Product news

Where to find the latest updates on Uniswap Labs products, including the Uniswap Web App and the Uniswap Wallet.

Products

Learn how to get a crypto wallet with our step-by-step beginner’s guide.

How to Get a Crypto Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn more about the Uniswap Protocol, an Ethereum based exchange, with our complete guide. Explore more ways to trade crypto on our decentralized protocol.

Uniswap 101: What is Uniswap? | Uniswap Labs

Uniswap Labs’ front-end engineer draws parallels between the Unix philosophy and Web3 applications, which creates interoperable, extensible, and reusable code, allowing us to ship better code faster.

The Unix Philosophy at Uniswap Labs

The Project Mariana experiment uses DeFi and AMMs to create foreign exchange markets for the euro, Singaporean dollar, and Swiss franc.

A DeFi Playground for Foreign Exchange Markets

Company News

 The latest and greatest announcements about the company from Uniswap Labs

Company

New Research Shows Uniswap v3 scales with L2s.

Layer 2 Be or Layer Not 2 Be

Research from Uniswap Labs proposes a new methodology for measuring price improvements across Order Flow Auctions (OFAs).

Measuring Price Improvement with Order Flow Auctions

A new paper from a team of researchers at Uniswap Labs, Circle, and the Copenhagen Business School provides insight into how traditional financial factors impact crypto price movements.

New Research on Drivers of Crypto Asset Prices

Most users swap on Uniswap as one of their first actions onchain.

New Onchain? 80% of Wallets Make Their Way to Uniswap on Day One

Research updates

 Explore the latest research and data from Uniswap Labs.

Research

Uniswap users can now swap and provide liquidity on Zora Network with the Uniswap interface and in the latest version of the Uniswap mobile app.

Zora is Now Live on Uniswap

ZKsync is now available on the Uniswap interface. Users can swap and LP on ZKsync.

ZKsync is Now Live on Uniswap

Uniswap users can now swap and provide liquidity on Blast with the Uniswap interface.

Blast is Now Live on Uniswap

You all love v2 so much, we’re bringing it to you everywhere. Uniswap v2 is live on Arbitrum, Polygon, Optimism, Base, Binance Smart Chain, and Avalanche.

Uniswap v2 Now Live Across More Major Chains

Protocol updates

The latest and greatest announcements about protocols from Uniswap Labs

Protocols

Unichain updates

News, updates and announcements about Unichain, an Ethereum L2 Designed for DeFi.

Unichain

Swapping crypto is a seamless way to trade one asset for another directly, without using an intermediary or getting your fiat involved.

What is a Crypto Swap?

Decentralized finance, or “DeFi,” is a growing network of global, permissionless, peer-to-peer financial apps and protocols that rely on blockchains.

What is DeFi? An Intro to Decentralized Finance

An intro to the Ethereum blockchain network, its key features, the ether token (ETH) and more.

What is Ethereum?

Discover how decentralized exchanges (DEXs) work, the benefits of using one, and how to connect your wallet to a DEX. 

What is a Decentralized Exchange (DEX)?

Basics updates

Start your onchain journey here. Learn how to swap tokens, connect to apps, explore DeFi, and much more.

Basics

If you’ve recently begun to explore and use DeFi apps, you may be surprised to see a “gas fee” added to the cost of your onchain transactions. Don’t worry, these fees are normal. 

Gas fees are set and collected by the blockchains that decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and other apps rely on to run properly — kind of like how payment networks collect fees on credit card transactions. And while they’re collected automatically when your transaction is submitted, there are a few helpful things to know about gas fees to avoid surprises or confusion. 

# Why are gas fees collected on every Ethereum transaction?
The gas fees you pay on your transactions help keep decentralized blockchains like Ethereum secure and working properly. 

Blockchains with high usage require a lot of computing power, plus the hardware used to run the network, and both of these come at a cost. Ethereum processes more than [one million daily transactions](https://etherscan.io/chart/tx) — so you can imagine the total costs required to keep things running smoothly. 

By charging a gas fee on every transaction, Ethereum can cover all of the expenses that come along with processing these transactions. 

## Who receives Ethereum gas fees?
The Ethereum blockchain is able to be decentralized thanks to a network of computers run by “validators” that work in harmony to submit blocks of transactions with no interruptions. 

Ethereum distributes gas fees as an incentive to validators, which motivates them to continue operating the network and keep it secure. 

__Reminder__: Gas fees are not collected by the app or wallet you’re using for your transaction — this is done by the blockchain that your app is deployed on.

# How are gas fees calculated?
Ethereum calculates gas fees using a [specific formula](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/gas/). The formula ensures that fees are dynamic, meaning that they’re calculated fairly based on three factors: 

- The complexity of your intended transaction 
- The current demand on the blockchain network
- The speed that you want your transaction executed 

In other words, if your transaction is complex, submitted when network usage is high, and/or you want a network validator to prioritize it, you may need to pay a higher gas fee. As a result, your gas fees will differ from transaction to transaction. 

By default, your wallet uses this formula to run the numbers for you and provide an estimated gas fee for your transaction.
![Gas Fee on Uniswap Web App](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/1f9Txb1o0R2pruLb5nizCr/b3d10c9807aec8e2d9e39d4fd7086f24/Gas_Fee_on_Uniswap_Web_App.gif)
*This demo shows how gas fees are displayed in the Uniswap web app.*
# How are gas fees paid?
Gas fees are paid in the form of a blockchain’s native token, and in Ethereum’s case that token is ETH.

Your gas fee won’t be paid unless you confirm your transaction. After confirming, the amount of ETH required to cover your gas fee will be automatically deducted from your ETH balance. 

If you don’t have enough ETH to pay the gas fee, the transaction won’t go through. If that happens, you can transfer funds from another wallet. 

Some crypto wallets, like [Uniswap wallet](https://wallet.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=eth-gas-fees&utm_content=uniswap-wallet), also offer fiat-to-crypto onramps so you can easily purchase the network's native token with a debit card or bank account. 
# Is there a way to limit or reduce gas fees?
High gas fees during heavy network usage times can be frustrating. Instead of paying a high gas fee, you can always:
1. __Choose another time.__ When gas fees are high, consider delaying your transaction until the network is less congested.
2. __Adjust your gas limit.__ Some apps and wallets allow users to adjust the gas fees they’re willing to pay. (But note that if you set your gas fee too low, your transaction may not go through.)
3. __Use a Layer 2 chain.__ An integral part of Ethereum’s scaling roadmap are Layer 2 networks like Unichain, Base, and Arbitrum, which are designed to execute transactions faster and at lower cost than Ethereum’s mainnet.

You can use several tools to check [current gas fees](https://etherscan.io/gastracker) and whether they are considered high at any given moment. 
# Don’t let gas fees slow you down
Gas fees keep the Ethereum network moving, so that your onchain activity is secure and seamless — whether you’re swapping tokens, minting NFTs and other collectibles, or exploring more advanced decentralized apps. 

__Need some ETH? Here are two easy ways to fill up your crypto wallet.__ First, [buy some ETH](https://blog.uniswap.org/web-fiat-on-ramp) using local currency with Uniswap Labs’ fiat onramp feature — available in the Uniswap web app or the Uniswap wallet app on mobile. Or [make a transfer](https://blog.uniswap.org/transfer-crypto-to-self-custody-wallet) from a centralized exchange like Coinbase or Robinhood. 

__Already have an ETH balance? It’s full speed ahead from here.__ Explore charts on Ethereum and more than dozen Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 networks, select a token, and make your very first swap. Connect your wallet to the [Uniswap web app](https://app.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=eth-gas-fees&utm_content=uniswap-web-app) and start swapping.

Ethereum and other blockchains collect network costs or “gas fees” on transactions. How much you’ll pay depends on several factors. 

A Guide to Ethereum Gas Fees

Stablecoins are a dependable way to hold, move, and use value onchain. While many cryptocurrencies fluctuate in value, stablecoins are designed to have a stable price. This key feature has helped make stablecoins one of the most versatile and widely used assets in crypto today. 

Whether you're swapping tokens, sending funds across wallets, or exploring new networks, stablecoins play a key role in onchain markets. 
# What is a stablecoin and how does it work?
A stablecoin is a digital asset that is “pegged” to another asset, meaning that it closely follows that asset’s market value. Stablecoins are commonly pegged to currencies like the US dollar or commodities like gold. 

Popular stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI are all designed to match the value of the US dollar, but they keep that peg in different ways. USDC is backed by dollars held in reserve by its issuer, while DAI is backed by a reserve of crypto assets (worth more than the amount of DAI in circulation) to help keep its value stable. 

For most users, these differences don’t affect how stablecoins are used day to day. Stablecoins can be used in blockchain transactions just like more well-known assets such as ETH or BTC. 
# Popular uses for stablecoins
Stablecoins have been called crypto’s [“killer use case,”](https://experts.bitwiseinvestments.com/cio-memos/could-stablecoins-put-an-end-to-money-market-accounts) but do you wonder what stablecoins are actually used for? They show up in more places than you might think.

1. __Onramps and offramps.__ Stablecoins often serve as the first or last stop when converting between fiat currencies (like the US dollar) and crypto. Many [onramps](https://blog.uniswap.org/web-fiat-on-ramp) and [offramps](https://blog.uniswap.org/fiat-offramping) support stablecoins like USDC because they’re so widely used onchain.

2. __Minimizing exposure to crypto volatility.__ When markets move fast, stablecoins offer a place to maintain stability. Traders and users often swap into stablecoins to take profits, reduce risk and exit positions during volatile markets.

3. __Cross-border remittances.__ Sending stablecoins to family abroad can be significantly cheaper than the global average cost of [6.62%](https://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/rpw_main_report_and_annex_q324.pdf) to send remittances, typically done via banks, post offices, mobile operators and money transfer organizations.

4. __Avoiding forex fees.__ Traditional currency exchanges often charge [1-3% in commissions](https://www.bankrate.com/personal-finance/fees-associated-with-money-exchange/#common), sometimes more. Stablecoins offer a simpler option. By sending and spending a USD-pegged asset directly, users can skip conversion fees and keep more of their money.

5. __Hedging against inflation.__ Citizens of nations with [highly inflationary fiat currencies](https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mje/2025/01/08/peso-preservation-argentinas-embrace-of-stablecoins-for-economic-stability/) may prefer to hold US dollar-pegged stablecoins instead of the local currencies, for a more secure store of value.

6. __Everyday spending.__ Cryptocurrencies like stablecoins are increasingly being accepted by more mainstream merchants — from movie theaters to hotels and online retailers — making it easier to use crypto in day-to-day life. Payments giants [Visa](https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.21371.html) and [Mastercard](https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2025/april/mastercard-unveils-end-to-end-capabilities-to-power-stablecoin-transactions-from-wallets-to-checkouts/) both announced support for stablecoin transactions, unlocking stablecoin payments at over 150 million merchants. 

7. __And even employee payments!__ Stablecoins are steadily becoming a fast, cost-effective alternative to traditional ways of paying salaries or earnings. And because stablecoins payments are borderless, doing so can broaden an employer’s access to the [global talent pool](https://blockworks.co/news/crypto-increasingly-used-to-pay-salaries-in-developing-economies). 

With a variety of exciting use cases, stablecoin adoption keeps growing. In 2024 alone, stablecoins moved more than [$5.5 trillion](https://visaonchainanalytics.com/transactions) in adjusted volume across 1.2 billion transactions — equivalent to 42% of Visa’s [2024 payments volume](https://annualreport.visa.com/financials/default.aspx). 

As more of the world moves onchain, stablecoins will increasingly play a central role in  reshaping how people move, hold, and use money.
# Get started with stablecoins
Widely used stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and DAI are simple to move across networks and make it easy to explore and interact with DeFi. With the Uniswap Web App or Uniswap Wallet, acquiring and using stablecoins is a seamless process.

Swap on the [Uniswap Web App](https://app.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=stablecoin-blog&utm_content=uniswap-web-app) or get started in the [Uniswap Wallet](https://wallet.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=blog&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=stablecoin-blog&utm_content=uniswap-wallet) with just a few clicks.

Stablecoins are a type of crypto asset that is designed to be price-stable. Learn about ways they’re used, what’s behind their popularity, and how to buy, sell or swap stablecoins.

What are Stablecoins?

Today we’re excited to announce the release of our new Auto Router! The Auto Router uses an advanced smart order routing algorithm to find better prices for traders in the [Uniswap app](http://app.uniswap.org). This includes:

- **Split routes** which execute trades across multiple pools at once
- **More powerful algorithm **that considers a larger data set for larger trades and better prices
- **Gas cost awareness **ensures every added step is net positive for your trade

Lastly, if there is a better trade available on Uniswap v2 after accounting for gas costs, the Auto Router will automatically switch to v2.

# Split Routes

One way that the Auto Router achieves better prices is by splitting trades across multiple pools. In the legacy router, a trade was always executed through a single route. Now, your trade can be split across up to seven paths to take advantage of liquidity depth in different pools. In the example below, the trader saves \$134,689 by splitting the route on a COMP:USDC trade. This is more than enough to cover the additional gas cost of the second route.

The addition of multiple fee tiers in Uniswap v3 makes this feature more important than ever.

![Auto-router-split-routes](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/45rRN6ivRIKQMIfguLTq1V/f7bc9b4559d4bf20be49475be3ad9eb5/split_routes.png)_The Auto Router optimizes your price by splitting the route across multiple pools._

# More powerful algorithm

The Auto Router enables efficient execution, especially on large trades. At the time of writing this, without the Auto Router an 80M USDT:USDC swap would incur a price impact of -62.9%. With the Auto Router, the same trade can be executed with a price impact as low as -0.749%.

![auto-router-explore](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/oqZDSmviBQOqY14kQa4B9/60714c6757cca93fd09d076da31b5f9a/explore.png)

_The Auto Router explores liquidity at greater depth than the standard router which previously ran out of gas._

# Gas Cost Awareness

The Auto Router factors in gas costs to optimize your effective price. With today’s launch, smaller trades will execute more efficiently by minimizing the number of gas-intensive hops to reach the output token. For example, this ETH:LINK trade saves \$8 in gas fees to deliver a 10% better net price by removing a hop from the route.

![auto-router-gas](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/5CMBfQ6ttOb3xXtPzu4UEF/9d9ed6469b0d0c9775dd69026cd36a36/gas.png)

_The Auto Router is aware of gas costs and will only take an extra hop if it yields a better effective price._

# Auto Router Interface

The Auto Router is now live and enabled by default for all users in the Uniswap App. You can hover over the Auto Router icon to peak into your trade route.

![auto-router-demo](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/6yT4eFYGhei5outTqLW16N/40c44fdb839d41fcd30a1be1b325c12f/demo.gif)

You may disable the Auto Router in settings if you do not wish to use the Auto Router for any reason.

# Open Source Code

We are deeply committed to decentralized and open-source financial infrastructure. In that spirit, we have published the full Auto Router source code under the GPL license.

- [@uniswap/routing-api](https://github.com/Uniswap/routing-api): Wraps and deploys the smart-order-router as a hosted service.
- [@uniswap/smart-order-router](https://github.com/Uniswap/smart-order-router): Contains the logic for finding the most efficient way to swap token A for token B, considering split swaps across multiple routes and gas costs.

# Developers

The Uniswap App fetches quotes from an instance of the Auto Router hosted by Uniswap Labs. Local developers and IPFS builds will be able to call the Auto Router API up to a modest request limit. The app will fallback to legacy routing when the request limit is exceeded, and in any situation where the Auto Router fails to return a quote. If your app needs to handle a higher load, you are welcome to deploy your own instance of the Auto Router from the open source code.

We will host a Twitch livestream over the coming weeks to walk through the Auto Router codebase and teach developers how to work with it.

# Measuring Improvements

In our analysis of 4,429 on-chain swaps from June 1, the Auto Router improves pricing on 13.97% of all trades and 36.84% of trades between the Top 10 tokens by TVL.

Benefits are spread across all trade size buckets. Many low value trades benefit from the Auto Router’s awareness of gas costs, allowing it to recommend fewer hops for better overall execution. For larger trades, price improvements are primarily driven by the Auto Router’s new route splitting capabilities and ability to explore more liquidity.

![auto-router-performance](//images.ctfassets.net/oc3ca6rftwdu/3jTJai05lW9cKDDjOZdLv/d6715d13e7d2bdf6f17b6bf9d5dfbdfb/performance.png)

_The Auto Router improves trades of all sizes _

# Future work

Our journey has only just begun! We will continue iteratively improving the Auto Router to unlock better trade prices for users of the Uniswap App. The next release will support splitting routes across Uniswap v2 and v3 simultaneously and we also plan to support routes on Optimistic Ethereum and Arbitrum.

Additionally, we intend to further decentralize the Auto Router for the Uniswap Community by publishing a client-side version of the Auto Router.

For now, enjoy improved prices in the Uniswap App!

---

To get involved and stay up to date:

- Join the Uniswap community [discord](https://discord.com/invite/FCfyBSbCU5)
- Follow Uniswap Labs on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/Uniswap)
- Subscribe to the Uniswap Labs [blog](https://uniswap.org/rss.xml)
- Register as a delegate on [Sybil](https://sybil.org/#/delegates/uniswap)
- Participate in Uniswap [governance](https://gov.uniswap.org/)

Uniswap Team 🦄

Introducing the Auto Router, an advanced smart order routing algorithm to find better prices for traders in the Uniswap app.

Introducing the Auto Router

Safely move crypto from a centralized exchange to an onchain self-custody wallet using this complete guide.

#Basics