---
eip: 7703
title: Increase calldata cost
description: Increase calldata cost to decrease the maximum block size
author: William Morriss (@wjmelements)
discussions-to: https://ethereum-magicians.org/t/eip-7703-increase-calldata-cost/19933
status: Stagnant
type: Standards Track
category: Core
created: 2024-05-07
---

## Abstract

An adjustment in the Ethereum calldata cost which reduces the maximum possible block size and allows a higher block gas limit.

## Motivation

Larger blocks take longer to propagate through the network. 
In this way, the maximum potential block size is constraining the block gas limit.
Therefore, in order to safely increase the block gas limit, the calldata gas must be increased.

## Specification

* Increase `G_CALLDATAZERO` from 4 to 12.
* Increase `G_CALLDATANONZERO` from 16 to 48.

## Rationale

Tripling the gas cost of calldata reduces the maximum possible block size by a factor of three.

## Backwards Compatibility

Activation can cause some transactions to revert due to the increased gas costs.
Ahead of activation, `eth_estimateGas` could be calculated using the new parameters in order to provide results viable for activation, avoiding out-of-gas reverts.

## Security Considerations

No security issues have been found.

## Copyright

Copyright and related rights waived via [CC0](../LICENSE.md).