Single-Signature vs. Multi-Signature
Last reviewed: August 2026
A signature sounds like one thing, so why do some setups need several before anything can move? It comes down to how many keys have to agree. Think of a bank vault that opens with a single key versus a safety-deposit box that only opens when two different keyholders show up together. Single-signature is the first case: one key is enough on its own. Multi-signature is the second: a transaction only becomes valid once a set number of independent keys have signed off.
Single-Signature vs. Multi-Signature
| Dimension | Single-Signature | Multi-Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | One key alone is enough to approve and send a transaction. | A transaction only becomes valid once a set number of independent keys sign it. |
| Control | Concentrated: whoever holds that one key controls everything it protects. | Shared: no single keyholder can move funds alone, since agreement from others is required. |
| Setup & Coordination | Simple: fewer moving parts to configure, back up, and keep track of. | Added coordination: more required signers means more setup and more coordination each time something needs approving. |
The actual distinction is where authority sits: single-signature puts full authority in one key, while multi-signature spreads that authority across several so no one key is enough by itself. See Key Security for how this shows up in practice.