The Graph
Indexing protocol for querying blockchain data via GraphQL
Best for: Developers and data engineers who need structured, indexed blockchain data via GraphQL APIs without managing their own indexing infrastructure.The Graph is a decentralized indexing protocol that organizes blockchain data and makes it accessible through GraphQL APIs called subgraphs. It serves as the data layer for thousands of dApps, allowing developers to query indexed blockchain data without running their own infrastructure. The protocol is maintained by a global network of Indexers, Curators, and Delegators who are incentivized through the GRT token.
The core products include Subgraphs (for querying indexed data via GraphQL), Substreams (for streaming blockchain data into custom sinks), Token API (for token balance and price data), and Hypergraph (a privacy-preserving web3 app framework). The platform claims 99.99%+ uptime and 60-98% cost reduction compared to running your own indexing infrastructure.
For data professionals, The Graph is important to understand because it powers the data layer of many major dApps. If you are building analytics on top of protocol-specific data, subgraphs are often the fastest way to access structured, event-level data. The protocol also represents the decentralized approach to blockchain data infrastructure, in contrast to centralized providers like Alchemy or QuickNode.
Pricing
- Free tier available through the decentralized network with a query budget.
- Pay-per-query model: costs vary by subgraph complexity and query volume.
- No fixed monthly plans. Costs are denominated in GRT tokens.
- Enterprise solutions available through ecosystem partners.
Chains Supported
Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, BNB Chain, Celo, Fantom, Gnosis, Linea, Optimism, Polygon, Scroll, and additional EVM-compatible networks. Non-EVM support includes NEAR, Cosmos-based chains, and Arweave.
- dApp data layer: power application frontends with real-time indexed blockchain data
- Protocol analytics: query event-level data for DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and DAOs
- Data pipelines: stream blockchain events into databases, data warehouses, or analytics tools
- Cross-chain queries: access standardized data across multiple chains from a single interface
- Token analytics: retrieve balance snapshots, transfer histories, and price data
