---
title: "Discussion on \"What is a layer 2? In plain words\" | Hashnode"
description: "Discussion on \"What is a layer 2? In plain words\". A layer 2 is a chain built on top of a main chain like Ethereum. How packing thousands of transactions into one batch cuts costs, and what stays the same."
url: "https://hashnode.com/posts/what-is-a-layer-2-in-plain-words/6af487a95ea01fe9995edd87"
---

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# [What is a layer 2? In plain words](https://cleaveprotocol.hashnode.dev/what-is-a-layer-2-in-plain-words?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed)

A layer 2 is a chain built on top of a main chain like Ethereum. How packing thousands of transactions into one batch cuts costs, and what stays the same.

2d ago · 4 min read · cleaveprotocol.hashnode.dev  
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-   [#defi](https://hashnode.com/tag/defi)
-   [#layer-2](https://hashnode.com/tag/layer-2)
-   [#ethereum](https://hashnode.com/tag/ethereum)
-   [#gas-fees](https://hashnode.com/tag/gas-fees)
-   [#crypto-basics](https://hashnode.com/tag/crypto-basics)

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DEX aggregator on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, BNB Chain, Polygon and Optimism.

Cleave Protocol splits each swap across many pools and paths on six chains, and a cross-chain swap takes one signature. Cleave's fees are included in the price. Apps and AI agents use the same quotes through our API, MCP server and SDKs. https://cleave.fi

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