What is Rollup?
Last reviewed 2026-05-03
Entity coverage: 1 protocol, 0 tokens, 0 chains reference this concept.
First defined in: A Rollup-Centric Ethereum Roadmap (2020) by Vitalik Buterin
Cite / Read deeper: DeFi Intel modular blockchains deep-dive
A rollup batches transactions, executes them off the L1, and posts compressed data plus a proof (validity for ZK, fault-disputable for optimistic) back to the L1. Inherits L1 security plus its own throughput.
How it works
A rollup batches transactions, executes them off the L1, and posts compressed data plus a proof (validity for ZK, fault-disputable for optimistic) back to the L1. Inherits L1 security plus its own throughput.
For deeper protocol-level mechanics, see the related glossary terms below or the linked DeFi Intel topic deep-dive.
Why it matters
Rollups are Ethereum's dominant scaling strategy: 10-100x throughput gain, 90-99% fee reduction post-EIP-4844, while inheriting L1 security.
Real-world examples
Arbitrum, Optimism, Base (optimistic); zkSync Era, Starknet, Linea, Scroll (ZK).
Related terms
Go deeper
Read the full DeFi Intel topic deep-dive or browse the complete crypto glossary.
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