# Why does block.space count bytes and not vbytes?

Raw bytes are the measure; vbytes are kept beside them because the ratio is the witness discount.

URL: https://blockspace.wiki/answers/why-bytes-not-vbytes/

BTI's design rule R5 says [raw bytes](https://blockspace.wiki/glossary/raw-bytes/) are the measure and [vbytes](https://blockspace.wiki/glossary/vbytes/) an observable. Blockspace Value Theory argues that every byte, witness or not, is downloaded, validated, propagated and stored by nodes, so weight discounting confuses price with quantity. BTI still carries both everywhere, because the ratio of bytes to vbytes is the [witness discount](https://blockspace.wiki/glossary/witness-discount/) itself.

Sources:

- Blockspace Holdings records
- Blockspace Value Theory · https://block.space/docs/bvt
- block.space docs: data types · https://block.space/docs/datatypes

Updated: 2026-10-20