# Token standard (ERC-20, TRC-20, SPL)

Working definition: a shared contract interface, such as ERC-20 or TRC-20, that wallets and exchanges use to handle tokens.

Canonical: https://achivx.org/glossary/token-standard/
Updated: 2026-11-01

A token standard (working definition) is a common set of functions and events that a token contract implements so that wallets and exchanges can work with any token that follows it. On Ethereum this is ERC-20, defined in EIP-20 as a standard interface for transferring tokens and approving them for spending by a third party. On TRON, any contract implementing the TRC-20 functions and events counts as a TRC-20 contract. On Solana, the Token program defines a common implementation for fungible and non-fungible tokens. Tether describes USDT on Ethereum as an ERC20 token.

## What the sources say

| Source | Quote | Link |
|---|---|---|
| EIP-20: summary | "A standard interface for tokens." | [eips.ethereum.org](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20) |
| EIP-20: abstract | "This standard provides basic functionality to transfer tokens, as well as allow tokens to be approved so they can be spent by another on-chain third party." | [eips.ethereum.org](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20) |
| TRON developer docs: TRC-20 | "TRC-20 is a set of contract standards for issuing fungible token assets on TRON. Any contract that implements the required functions and events below is considered a TRC-20 contract." | [developers.tron.network](https://developers.tron.network/docs/trc20-protocol-interface) |
| TRON developer docs: why wallets use it | "Wallets and exchanges integrating a TRC-20 contract use this standard set of functions and events to interact with the contract." | [developers.tron.network](https://developers.tron.network/docs/trc20-protocol-interface) |
| Solana Program Library docs: Token program | "A Token program on the Solana blockchain. This program defines a common implementation for Fungible and Non Fungible tokens." | [solana-program.com](https://www.solana-program.com/docs/token) |
| Tether FAQ: USDT on Ethereum as ERC20 | "Tether on the Ethereum blockchain, as an ERC20 token, is a newer transport layer" | [tether.to](https://tether.to/en/faqs/) |

## Related terms

- [Wrong network transfer](/glossary/wrong-network-transfer/)
- [Token approval (allowance)](/glossary/token-approval/)
- [Bridged stablecoin (USDC.e)](/glossary/bridged-stablecoin/)
- [Gas fee (such as TRX or ETH)](/glossary/gas-fee/)

## See also

- Explainer: [Is my USDT ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20 or SPL?](https://achivx.com/academy/how-it-works/is-my-usdt-erc20-trc20-or-bep20.html)
- Review: [revain.org/projects/ethereum/](https://revain.org/projects/ethereum/)
- Review: [revain.org/projects/tron/](https://revain.org/projects/tron/)
- Review: [revain.org/projects/solana/](https://revain.org/projects/solana/)
- Review: [revain.org/projects/bnb/](https://revain.org/projects/bnb/)
- Review: [revain.org/coins/usdt/](https://revain.org/coins/usdt/)

Checked against the sources on 2026-11-01.

## revain.org
- https://revain.org/projects/ethereum/
- https://revain.org/projects/tron/
- https://revain.org/projects/solana/
- https://revain.org/projects/bnb/
- https://revain.org/coins/usdt/

## Sources
- https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-20
- https://developers.tron.network/docs/trc20-protocol-interface
- https://www.solana-program.com/docs/token
- https://tether.to/en/faqs/