What is DeFiLlama?

DeFiLlama is the most comprehensive and reliable analytics platform for decentralized finance (DeFi), tracking over 2000 protocols across more than 150 blockchains. Unlike other analytics platforms, DeFiLlama maintains strict methodology standards to ensure accurate, untainted data without paid placements or manipulated rankings.

Multi-Chain Coverage

Tracks protocols across Ethereum, Solana, BSC, Avalanche, Polygon, and 150+ other chains.

Real-Time TVL Data

Accurate Total Value Locked metrics updated in real-time for all major DeFi categories.

Protocol Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of yields, fees, revenue, and other key metrics.

Historical Charts

Interactive charts showing TVL growth, token prices, and protocol metrics over time.

Yield Farming

Comprehensive data on APYs, pool compositions, and farming opportunities.

Ad-Free Experience

No paid placements or sponsored rankings - just pure, unfiltered data.

DeFiLlama Dashboard

DeFiLlama's comprehensive dashboard showing key DeFi metrics

Key Metrics Tracked by DeFiLlama

DeFiLlama provides dozens of metrics to analyze the DeFi ecosystem, with these being the most important:

Total Value Locked (TVL)

The cornerstone metric representing the total capital deposited in DeFi protocols:

  • Calculated in USD value across all supported chains
  • Includes staking, lending, liquidity pools, and other DeFi primitives
  • Available for individual protocols, chains, and categories
  • Historical data shows growth trends and market cycles

Protocol Revenue

Tracks actual fees generated by protocols (not token emissions):

  • Daily, weekly, and monthly revenue figures
  • Breakdown of fee sources (trading, lending, etc.)
  • Revenue to TVL ratios for fundamental analysis
  • Comparison between similar protocols

Chain Dominance

Shows market share distribution across blockchains:

  • Ethereum vs. alternative L1s vs. L2s
  • Growth trends for emerging chains
  • Category breakdown (DEXs, lending, etc.) per chain
  • Stablecoin and bridge activity between chains
DeFiLlama Metrics Charts

Interactive charts showing TVL growth and chain dominance over time

How to Use DeFiLlama for DeFi Research

DeFiLlama offers powerful tools for investors, researchers, and protocol teams:

Finding High-Yield Opportunities

  1. Navigate to the "Yields" section
  2. Filter by chain, asset, or protocol type
  3. Sort by APY (real or farmed)
  4. Check historical APY stability
  5. Review pool composition and risks

Comparing Protocols

  1. Use the "Compare" feature
  2. Select 2-5 competing protocols
  3. Analyze TVL trends, revenue, and fees
  4. Check tokenomics and emissions
  5. Review chain distribution and integrations

Tracking Emerging Trends

  • Monitor "Categories" for fastest-growing sectors
  • Check "Chains" for L2 and alt-L1 growth
  • Watch "Recently Added" for new protocols
  • Set up alerts for significant TVL movements
  • Follow "Airdrops" section for new opportunities
Protocol Comparison Tool

DeFiLlama's protocol comparison tool for side-by-side analysis

DeFiLlama vs. Other Analytics Platforms

While several DeFi analytics platforms exist, DeFiLlama stands out for several reasons:

Methodology Differences

  • No Double Counting: Unlike some platforms, DeFiLlama avoids double-counting leveraged positions
  • Stablecoin Treatment: Proper accounting of stablecoins as liabilities in lending protocols
  • Native Staking: Excludes native chain staking from TVL calculations
  • Bridged Assets: Tracks cross-chain assets without duplication

Unique Features

  • Chain-Agnostic: Covers more chains than any competitor
  • Oracles Section: Dedicated tracking of oracle usage
  • Rug Pull Warnings: Flags potentially risky protocols
  • Fork Checker: Identifies protocol forks and clones
  • Hack Tracker: Comprehensive database of DeFi exploits

Data Transparency

  • Open-source adapters for data verification
  • Clear methodology documentation
  • Community-driven error reporting
  • No hidden adjustments or paid rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

How often is DeFiLlama's data updated?

DeFiLlama updates its data in real-time, with most metrics refreshing every few minutes. TVL calculations are continuously updated as blockchain data changes, while some derived metrics (like APYs) may update on hourly or daily intervals.

Why do TVL numbers differ between platforms?

TVL discrepancies come from different methodologies - some platforms count leveraged positions multiple times, include native staking, or use different price oracles. DeFiLlama maintains strict standards to avoid double-counting and provide the most accurate comparisons.

Does DeFiLlama track NFTs or GameFi?

While primarily focused on traditional DeFi, DeFiLlama does track some NFT financialization protocols and GameFi projects that involve significant value locking. However, pure NFT marketplaces or play-to-earn games without DeFi elements are generally not included.

How can I list my protocol on DeFiLlama?

Protocols can be added by submitting a pull request to DeFiLlama's open-source adapter repository. The team reviews all submissions to ensure proper methodology before listing. There's no cost or payment required for inclusion.

What's the difference between TVL and MCap?

Total Value Locked (TVL) measures assets deposited in protocols, while Market Cap (MCap) values the protocol's tokens. A protocol can have high TVL but low MCap (if tokens don't capture value) or vice versa (if mostly speculative).

How does DeFiLlama make money?

DeFiLlama operates as a free, non-commercial service funded by its creators and community donations. It maintains neutrality by not accepting payments for listings or rankings, ensuring unbiased data for all users.