Advanced25 min readJan 2026

On-Chain Analysis Masterclass

Master on-chain metrics to understand market cycles, whale behavior, and make data-driven trading decisions. Interactive simulators included.

1.0M+
BTC Addresses
400K
Daily Transactions
2.3M BTC
On Exchanges
15+
Years of Data

What is On-Chain Analysis?

On-chain analysis examines blockchain data to understand market behavior. Unlike technical analysis (price charts) or fundamental analysis (project evaluation), on-chain analysis studies actual network activity: transactions, wallet movements, and holder behavior.

Because blockchains are transparent, we can see:

  • When coins were last moved - Distinguishing HODLers from traders
  • Exchange flows - Anticipating buying/selling pressure
  • Whale movements - Following smart money
  • Profit/loss levels - Understanding market psychology

Key On-Chain Metrics

These are the most important metrics used by professional analysts. Click each to learn more.

MVRV Ratio Deep Dive

The MVRV ratio is one of the most reliable cycle indicators. Simulate market conditions and understand how this metric signals tops and bottoms.

MVRV Ratio Indicator

2.10
Fair Value
012345

Interpretation

MVRV at 2.10 suggests the market is in the fair value zone. Continue monitoring for directional signals.

Exchange Flow Analysis

Tracking when coins move to or from exchanges helps predict buying/selling pressure.

Exchange Flow (BTC)

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

Negative netflow = More BTC leaving exchanges than entering. This is generally bullish as it indicates accumulation.

Whale Movement Tracking

Large holders ("whales") can move markets. Tracking their activity provides early signals.

Live Whale Alerts (Simulated)

Large BTC movements detected on-chain

🟢
574 BTC bought
Binance → OKX
8:19:06 PM

🟢 Exchange → Wallet = Accumulation (bullish)
🔴 Wallet → Exchange = Potential selling (bearish)
🔵 Wallet → Wallet = OTC trade or internal transfer

HODL Waves & Supply Distribution

Understanding how long coins have been held reveals market sentiment and potential supply shocks.

Bitcoin HODL Waves

Distribution of BTC by wallet age (last moved)

< 1 month
8%
1-3 months
12%
3-6 months
15%
6-12 months
18%
1-2 years
22%
2-5 years
15%
5+ years
10%

What This Means

Long-term holders (1+ year) control 47% of supply. High long-term holder ratio indicates strong conviction and reduced selling pressure.

On-Chain Analysis Tools

Compare the best platforms for on-chain research, from free options to professional-grade tools.

On-Chain Analysis Tools

Glassnode

Bitcoin/ETH Analytics

$39-$799/mo
Professional
Advanced metricsAPI accessReal-time data

Nansen

Smart Money Tracking

$150-$2500/mo
Professional
Wallet labelsToken signalsPortfolio tracking

Dune Analytics

Custom Queries

Free-$349/mo
Free/Pro
SQL queriesCommunity dashboardsCustom charts

Arkham Intelligence

Entity Tracking

Free tier available
Free/Pro
Entity labelsTransaction tracingAlerts

DeBank

Portfolio + Whales

Free
Free
Multi-chain portfolioWhale trackingProtocol data

Applying On-Chain to Trading

Accumulation Signals (Bullish)

  • • MVRV below 1.0 (extreme undervalue)
  • • Exchange reserves declining
  • • Long-term holder supply increasing
  • • SOPR below 1.0 (capitulation)
  • • Whale wallets accumulating

Distribution Signals (Bearish)

  • • MVRV above 3.5 (extreme overvalue)
  • • Large exchange inflows
  • • Long-term holders distributing
  • • High SOPR (profit taking)
  • • Whale selling activity

Important Caveats

  • • On-chain is best for Bitcoin, less reliable for alts
  • • Metrics work over weeks/months, not days
  • • Combine with technical and fundamental analysis
  • • Whale labels can be inaccurate
  • • Past patterns don't guarantee future results

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