What exactly is the NHCI Score?

NHCI stands for NeverHodl Cycle Intelligence. The Score is a composite index that aggregates 37 on-chain, macro, and market indicators into a single reading. It has been calibrated against 3,392 days of Bitcoin market data — covering 4 complete cycles from 2015 to 2026.

Unlike most crypto indicators, the NHCI Score does not predict price. It tells you where the cycle stands structurally — based on what on-chain data, macro liquidity, and market sentiment are all saying simultaneously.

Currently tracking: Bitcoin (BTC NHCI v3.1). ETH NHCI and ALTSEASON NHCI coming soon.

The 5 zones of the NHCI Score

13
Live indicators
3,392
Days calibrated
1h
Update frequency

The NHCI Score is divided into 5 zones. Each zone reflects a distinct structural condition in the Bitcoin market — identifiable through the combination of on-chain, macro, and sentiment data.

0–35
Bottom

Maximum fear. On-chain data shows capitulation. Historically the rarest zone — and the highest-opportunity one.

35–45
Accumulation

Supply absorption. Smart money positioning. Historically precedes the Bull phase by 3–9 months.

◂ Current zone
45–65
Active Bull

Momentum confirmed across all 37 indicators. Risk rising but trend intact.

65–75
Hot Zone

On-chain shows selling into strength. Most dangerous phase for late retail buyers.

75–100
NeverHodl™

Extreme readings across all indicators. The zone that inspired our name. Every prior cycle reaching this zone was followed by a severe bear market.

BTC NHCI Heat Index right now:

The current reading places Bitcoin in the Accumulation zone — where on-chain data historically shows smart money positioning before the next Bull phase. Check the full dashboard for all 37 indicators.

See the live NHCI Score →

What are the 37 indicators?

The NHCI Score combines three layers of data:

On-chain (what the blockchain shows): MVRV Z-Score, NUPL, aSOPR, Exchange Flow (net), Miner Flow. These indicators reveal what long-term holders and miners are actually doing — not what they say.

Macro (global liquidity context): M2 Global YoY, M2 3-Month, Fed Balance Sheet, VIX. Bitcoin does not move in isolation. Global liquidity cycles have historically aligned with Bitcoin cycle phases.

Sentiment & derivatives: Fear & Greed Index, BTC Dominance, Funding Rate, Open Interest. These capture what the market is feeling and how leveraged it is. No single indicator is used in isolation — all inputs are processed through the NHCI engine and combined into a single composite reading that reflects the full market picture.

How to actually use the NHCI Score

The NHCI Score is not a buy or sell signal. It is a risk thermometer. Use it to understand the structural context of the market — not to time individual trades.

Historically, investors who reduced exposure when the NHCI entered the Hot Zone and NeverHodl™ zones (above 65) avoided the worst of the bear market drawdowns. Those who paid attention during Accumulation zones (35–45) positioned before the major moves.

Check the score once a week. It updates every hour but the cycle moves slowly. What matters is the zone — not the daily fluctuation.

BTC NHCI HEAT INDEX · LIVE
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See the full picture — free, always.

The NeverHodl Dashboard shows all 37 indicators live, with hourly AI cycle analysis and historical context. No account required.

DATA SOURCES Analysis powered by the NeverHodl NHCI Engine v3.2 — 37 on-chain, macroeconomic, and market indicators across 6 categories. Data updated hourly.
Methodology →  ·  Live API →  ·  Data Attribution →

Key takeaways

  • NHCI Score = 0 to 100, updated every hour
  • 5 zones: Bottom → Accumulation → Bull → Hot Zone → NeverHodl™
  • Powered by 37 on-chain, macro, and sentiment indicators
  • Calibrated on 3,392 days / 4 complete cycles
  • Not a price prediction — a cycle position reading