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10 Best Gas Optimization Tricks For Ethereum

10 Best Gas Optimization Tricks For Ethereum

In This article I will outline some of the best gas saving methods for Ethereum that will lower expenses and streamline performance.

These tactics, such as transaction batching, employing Layer 2 solutions, and smart contract optimization, will aid developers, traders, and everyday users in making Ethereum network interactions easier and cheaper.

key Points & Best Gas Optimization Tricks For Ethereum List

Gas Optimization TrickDescription
Batch TransactionsCombine multiple transactions into one to reduce gas costs.
Use Gas TokensUtilize gas tokens like CHI or GST2 to reduce gas prices during high congestion.
Optimize Smart ContractsWrite efficient smart contracts to minimize gas consumption in execution.
Use Layer 2 SolutionsOffload transactions to Layer 2 (e.g., Optimism, Arbitrum) for lower fees.
Set Gas Price LimitsManually set gas price limits to avoid overpaying during periods of high demand.
Use Gas Fee EstimatorsUse tools like EthGasStation to check optimal gas prices before confirming.
Avoid Repeated State ChangesMinimize unnecessary state changes in smart contracts to save on gas.
Use EIP-1559 TransactionsLeverage the EIP-1559 upgrade to optimize transaction fees with base fees.
Choose Off-Peak Times for TransactionsExecute transactions during times of lower network congestion for cheaper fees.
Optimize Token TransfersBatch token transfers or use ERC-777 tokens to reduce costs on each transfer.

10 Best Gas Optimization Tricks For Ethereum

1. Batch Transactions

This collection of algorithmic tasks performed in a single operation lowers gas costs. Batching transactions consists of sending several singular transactions, each with individual gas fees

At once. Instead of sending several singular transactions each incurred with a base fee at gas, they can be sent all at once saving on base gas and easing congestion.

Batch Transactions

This is very helpful in case of token transfers or contract calls with loops. Smart contracts can implement batch capabilities that let users approve, transfer or interact with many items in one action.

FeatureDetails
Combines multiple actionsReduces the number of transactions sent
Saves base gas costOnly pays base fee once
Ideal for repetitive operationsUseful in token transfers, approvals, etc.
Improves efficiencyMinimizes network load and execution time
Supported in smart contractsMust be implemented in contract logic

2. Use Gas Tokens

Gas tokens, including GST2 or CHI, allow users to minimize the cost associated with paying gas fees. Users can mint tokens when gas is cheap, while redeeming them during high-fee periods.

These tokens take advantage of Ethereum’s refund model by minting data while the costs are low and deleting it later to get a refund for gas.

Use Gas Tokens

Although Ethereum’s London Hard Fork (EIP-3529) reduced some of the refund value’s beneficiaries, older smart contracts or specific use cases might still hold some advantage.

For developed users and developers, gas tokens offer capitalistic benefits in terms of gas savings if strategically optimized in gas-compatible environments.

FeatureDetails
Reduces gas fees at high demandRedeem tokens during expensive transaction times
Mints tokens when gas is cheapStores gas efficiency for future use
Works with compatible contractsSome newer contracts may no longer benefit
Advanced user strategyRequires knowledge of gas refund mechanics
Limited post-EIP-3529Effectiveness reduced after Ethereum updates

3. Optimize Smart Contracts

One of the most impactful methods of decreasing gas costs is through the efficient writing of smart contract code.

Avoid cost-prohibitive operations such as storage writes, deep loops, and frequent state changes or the use of volatile data types. In contrast, use compact data types, remove non-essential logic strands, and use old values in place of new ones where applicable.

Optimize Smart Contracts

Organizing your contract logic in a manner that minimizes  (storage write) operations and leveraging the more preferred ‘view’ or ‘pure’ functions can greatly save gas.

Gas-heavy portions of a contract can be uncovered by tools like Solidity Gas Profiler or Remix IDE. A well-structured smart contract not only saves gas but also enhances performance and user experience.

FeatureDetails
Reduces gas-heavy operationsAvoids unnecessary storage writes and loops
Uses efficient data typesSmaller types = lower gas
Reuses variablesMinimizes redundant logic
Cleaner, leaner codeImproves performance and cost
Tools availableUse Remix, Hardhat, or gas profilers

4. Use Layer 2 Solutions

Notable Layer 2 examples like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync offer faster and cheaper services as they run on top of Ethereum. Layer 2 platforms significantly help to ease congestion and lower gas fees by offloading most of the computation and data storage from the Ethereum chain.

Users can move their assets to these protocols and receive the same level of security offered by Ethereum while spending a fraction of the gas.

Use Layer 2 Solutions

For dApps and frequent traders, switching or adopting Layer 2 dApps is a no-brainer with regards to conserving costs while maintaining full functionality across the Ethereum ecosystem.

FeatureDetails
Lower transaction costsSignificantly cheaper than Ethereum mainnet
Faster transaction speedNear-instant confirmations
Compatible with major dAppsMany support Arbitrum, Optimism, etc.
Same Ethereum securityLayer 2 inherits Ethereum mainnet security
Bridges availableEasy asset transfer between Layer 1 and Layer 2

5. Set Gas Price Limits

Defining an upper gas price limit allows users to strategize their transactions so that they don’t overspend when the network is mostly congested.

Rather than going with the wallet’s suggested price, users can override the fee and put in a reasonable figure or a maximum cap. In advanced gas settings, wallets and platforms allow those modifications.

For non-urgent transactions, the method is optimal if the user does not mind waiting for the transaction to go through.

Set Gas Price Limits

It relinquishes control to the user and ensures you are not competing against everyone else for the same resources. MetaMask users with RPC have tools that assist in lowering spending by setting peg limits that enable cost-saving cap restricting.

FeatureDetails
Manual control over gas costUsers choose how much they’re willing to pay
Avoids overpayingEspecially helpful in volatile periods
Advanced wallet settings neededAvailable in MetaMask, Ledger, etc.
Best for non-urgent transactionsMay require longer confirmation times
Combines well with estimatorsUse in tandem for optimal savings

6. Use Gas Fee Estimators

Automated gas fee estimation tools offer assistance to users to determine the most time-efficient and economical time along with the rate for transacting on Ethereum.

EthGasStation, Gas Now, and even MetaMask offer self-contained wallet estimators that provide real-time updates regarding gas prices, all serve as access points to modern estimators.

Use Gas Fee Estimators

These tools enable users to refrain from sending transactions during peak times so that they don’t end up overpaying in excess amounts.

Some estimators go as far as categorizing the rate based on urgency, as in “safe low”, “standard”, and “fast.” To those engaged with intrigued on-chain interactions, such tools prove to be invaluable, especially developers and power users.

FeatureDetails
Real-time fee monitoringSee current low, average, and high gas prices
Prevents overpayingAvoid guessing or relying on default suggestions
Integrates with walletsMetaMask, Trust Wallet, etc. use estimators
Great for planned transactionsChoose the best time to execute
Popular toolsEthGasStation, Gas Now, Blocknative

7. Avoid Repeated State Changes

Every change to the state of the Ethereum blockchain, for example, updating a variable or writing to storage, utilizes a significant amount of gas. Combining state changes that occur across various transactions and multiple transactions into one is not only inefficient, but expensive.

Smart contracts should be built in a way that state change only occurs when absolutely necessary and consolidates logic when possible.

Avoid Repeated State Changes

For instance, instead of updating balances repeatedly in a loop, they can be updated afterwards once all calculations are completed. Minimizing the amount of  operations that are performed will reduce the amount of gas that is needed to execute a contract.

FeatureDetails
Limits storage writesSSTORE is one of the most expensive operations
Consolidates logicPerform updates after calculations
Reduces gas per function callEfficient code lowers total execution cost
Ideal in loops or iterationsAvoid state updates within loops
Part of smart contract optimizationBest done during development phase

8. Use EIP-1559 Transactions

A new transaction model which contains a base fee that fluctuates according to network demand, as well as a tip that is defined by the user (priority fee) was introduced by EIP-1559. It aids in the stabilization of gas fees and helps in preventing users from being charged exorbitantly.

Use EIP-1559 Transactions

EIP-1559 compatible wallets allow users to better predict the gas fees that will be incurred and pay the minimum amount required for prompt transaction approval.

Furthermore, the overall transaction cost is lower when there is low network activity since the base fee reduces. Exploiting EIP -1559 features can allow gas spending to be better optimized.

FeatureDetails
Predictable base feeChanges dynamically based on network demand
Priority fee (tip) optionalUsers control how fast the transaction is mined
Reduces overbiddingLess competition for miner attention
Supported in major walletsMetaMask and others support EIP-1559 natively
Encourages stable gas pricingReduces wild gas fee fluctuations

9. Choose Off-Peak Times for Transactions

Based on the demand of the network, the gas prices of Ethereum fluctuate. Transactions done during off-peak times such as late evenings or weekends incur much lower fees.

Users can use historical gas price data alongside real-time estimators to plan their transactions around these periods.

Optimize Token Transfers

This is great for non-urgent tasks like staking, token transfers and contract interactions. The timing of when activities are executed can have a significant impact especially when there is a greater than 2x difference between peak hours and off-peak periods.

FeatureDetails
Lower gas costs at night/weekendsLess network activity = cheaper transactions
Works for non-urgent actionsGood for staking, minting, or transfers
Easy to plan using chartsUse gas history tools to identify quiet periods
No special tools neededManual timing strategy
Maximizes efficiencyCombine with fee estimators for best results

10. Optimize Token Transfers

Transfers of tokens such as ERC-20 and NFTs tend to consume a lot of gas. Using enhanced standards ERC-777 and newer lightweight protocols can minimize gas expenses.

For multiple transfers, batching them as one single transfer is the most efficient. Allowing multiple transfers and approvals in a single call via custom functions also greatly lowers the need for more than one interaction.

Optimize Token Transfers

Cutting back on calls while ensuring tokens are gas-efficient aids in securing savings in the long term. After deploying token contracts on the mainnet, ensure that they have been tested and optimized for gas consumption so that they do not incur extra expenses on the network using Tenderly or Remix.

FeatureDetails
Use efficient standardsERC-777 or optimized ERC-20 tokens save gas
Batch transfersSend multiple tokens in a single transaction
Minimize approve() callsReduces unnecessary transactions
Smart contract supportCustom batch transfer functions can be added
Analyze before deployingUse tools like Tenderly to test gas impact

Conclusion

In conclusion The adoption of Ethereum remains low relative to its popularity due to high gas fees. However, they can be substantially reduced by batching transactions, utilizing Layer 2 solutions, optimizing smart contracts, and applying the concepts from EIP-1559.

The proper management of these resources increases the overall efficiency of the network, encouraging developers, traders, and common users to make use of this crypto infrastructure.