Maximal extractable value

Maximal extractable value is the profit obtainable by choosing the order, inclusion or exclusion of transactions in a block. Some of it is benign arbitrage; some of it is straightforward front-running of visible pending transactions.

Also known as MEV. manipulation techniques · updated 2026-11-06

Where does maximal extractable value come up?

This term is used in the following manipulation techniques, each explained in full on its own page.

• Sandwich attacks and MEV — A sandwich attack places one transaction immediately before a victim's pending swap and another immediately after it, moving the pool price so that the victim trades at a worse rate and the attacker keeps the difference.

See also

• Sandwich attack — A sandwich attack places one transaction immediately before a victim's pending swap and another immediately after it, moving the p…
• Mempool — The mempool is the public queue of pending blockchain transactions waiting to be included in a block. Its visibility is what makes…

Terms that refer here

Front running · Mempool · Sandwich attack

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