ERC-721 vs ERC-1155: Detailed Comparison of NFT Standards
Compare ERC-721 and ERC-1155 token standards: understand architecture, gas costs, security, and best use cases to pick the right NFT standard for your project.
View moreNFT Standards Explained: ERC-721, ERC-1155, and What They Mean for Your Digital Assets
When you buy or create an NFT, you’re not just getting a picture or a video—you’re interacting with a NFT standard, a set of rules that tell a blockchain how to recognize, track, and transfer digital ownership. Also known as token standards, these are the invisible frameworks that make NFTs work across wallets, marketplaces, and apps. Without them, your digital collectible would be just a file with no proof of ownership.
Two standards dominate the space: ERC-721, the original NFT standard on Ethereum, designed for unique, one-of-a-kind tokens and ERC-1155, a more flexible multi-token standard that lets one contract handle both unique and bulk tokens. ERC-721 is what you see in CryptoPunks and Bored Apes—each one is completely different. ERC-1155 is behind games like Sorare or Decentraland, where you might own one rare jersey and ten common player cards—all in the same contract. That’s why ERC-1155 saves gas and makes trading multiple items faster.
NFT standards also control what data gets attached to your asset—like the name, description, image, and even traits like rarity or color. That’s called NFT metadata, the behind-the-scenes info that gives your NFT meaning beyond just a number on a ledger. If the metadata link breaks, your NFT could show up as a blank image. That’s why some projects store metadata on decentralized networks like IPFS instead of regular servers.
These standards aren’t just technical—they shape how you trade, collect, and even earn from NFTs. A game using ERC-1155 can let you sell one item or a whole bundle in a single transaction. A marketplace built for ERC-721 might charge more per trade because each token is handled individually. And if a project ignores these standards, your NFT might not show up in your wallet or sell on major platforms.
Even though most NFTs run on Ethereum, other chains like Solana, Polygon, and BNB Chain have their own versions of these standards—so the same logic applies everywhere. You don’t need to code them, but knowing what’s behind your NFT helps you spot scams, avoid broken assets, and pick projects built to last.
Below, you’ll find real-world breakdowns of how NFT standards affect everything from game items to art sales—and why some NFTs vanish while others hold value. Whether you’re buying, creating, or just curious, understanding these rules keeps you from getting burned.