Scrypt (Colin Percival, 2009)
ASIC DominatedScrypt is the proof-of-work algorithm used by Litecoin (since 2011) and Dogecoin (merge-mined with Litecoin since 2014). Originally designed as a password-based key derivation function by Colin Percival, it was chosen by Litecoin's creator Charlie Lee specifically for its memory-hard properties, which were intended to resist the ASIC dominance that had already emerged in Bitcoin mining.
How Scrypt Works
Scrypt requires large amounts of RAM during computation, making it more expensive to parallelise than SHA-256. The algorithm fills a scratch-pad of memory (typically 128 KB per instance) with pseudo-random data, then accesses it in a hard-to-predict sequence. This memory-hardness was the original ASIC-resistance property. However, by 2014 purpose-built Scrypt ASICs had overcome the memory barrier and now dominate all Scrypt mining.
History & Evolution
Litecoin launched in October 2011 as a "silver to Bitcoin's gold," using Scrypt to differentiate from SHA-256 and allow GPU miners to participate. Dogecoin launched in December 2013 using the same algorithm. Scrypt GPU mining was highly competitive from 2011–2014 until dedicated ASICs emerged. Merge-mining (AuxPoW) between LTC and DOGE was activated in 2014, making Scrypt ASIC miners simultaneously earn both coins.
Hardware Requirements
Scrypt is dominated by a small number of ASIC models. Bitmain's Antminer L-series is the market leader (L9 at 16 GH/s). The ability to mine both LTC and DOGE simultaneously makes Scrypt ASICs uniquely capital-efficient — miners earn two revenue streams from one hardware purchase.
Compatible Mining Software
Mining Pools for Scrypt
Most major Scrypt pools support AuxPoW merge-mining, meaning your hardware earns LTC and DOGE simultaneously. LitecoinPool.org (the oldest LTC pool) has excellent DOGE merge-mining support. F2Pool, ViaBTC, and AntPool are the largest by hashrate share.
How to Start Mining with Scrypt
- Choose hardware — Scrypt is dominated by a small number of ASIC models. Bitmain's Antminer L-series is the market leader (L9 at 16 GH/s). The ability to mine both LTC and DOGE simultaneously makes S.
- Install mining software — compatible options include: cgminer, sgminer, CCminer (GPU, legacy), Stock Antminer L9 firmware, BraiinsOS (limited Scrypt support).
- Select a pool — Most major Scrypt pools support AuxPoW merge-mining, meaning your hardware earns LTC and DOGE simultaneously. LitecoinPool.org (the oldest LTC pool) has excellent DOGE merge-mining support. F2Pool, Vi.
- Configure stratum URL and wallet — set
stratum+tcp://pool-url:portas pool address and your LTC/DOGE wallet address as the username/payout address. - Start mining and monitor — check accepted shares in the pool dashboard within 5–10 minutes of startup.
- Track profitability — use our live calculator to monitor earnings vs electricity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Litecoin choose Scrypt?
Charlie Lee chose Scrypt for Litecoin to enable CPU and GPU mining in 2011, when SHA-256 ASICs were beginning to emerge for Bitcoin. The memory-hard properties of Scrypt were intended to slow ASIC development and keep mining accessible. While ASICs eventually dominated (2014–2015), the decision gave Litecoin years of GPU mining and a distinct hardware ecosystem from Bitcoin.
Can I mine Litecoin and Dogecoin at the same time?
Yes — this is the key feature of Scrypt AuxPoW merge-mining. Any Scrypt ASIC mining Litecoin also receives Dogecoin block rewards simultaneously at zero additional power cost. Both coins use Scrypt, and AuxPoW allows DOGE blocks to be mined in parallel with LTC blocks without extra computation. Ensure your pool supports merge-mining (most major pools do).
Is GPU mining still viable for Scrypt?
No. Scrypt ASICs like the Antminer L9 (16 GH/s at 3,360 W) are far more efficient than any GPU. A modern GPU achieves roughly 1–2 MH/s at Scrypt — 8,000–16,000× less hashrate than the L9. GPU Scrypt mining costs far more in electricity than it earns. GPU mining Litecoin or Dogecoin is not economically viable as of 2026.
What is AuxPoW merge-mining?
Auxiliary Proof of Work (AuxPoW) allows a miner to simultaneously solve blocks on two or more blockchains with a single hash computation. Dogecoin adopted AuxPoW in September 2014, enabling LTC miners to mine DOGE without any extra work. The same nonce that satisfies LTC's difficulty can also be submitted to the DOGE network if it meets DOGE's (generally lower) difficulty target. Both rewards are paid to the miner.
What is the Litecoin halving schedule?
Litecoin halves its block reward every 840,000 blocks (approximately every 4 years). The most recent halving was in August 2023, reducing the reward from 12.5 LTC to 6.25 LTC. The next halving is expected around 2027, which will reduce the reward to 3.125 LTC. Dogecoin has no halving schedule — it emits a fixed 10,000 DOGE per block indefinitely.