In our ongoing exploration of Cardano's network parameters, we turn our attention to max transaction execution memory (max_tx_ex_mem). While its sibling parameter max_block_ex_mem governs memory usage across an entire block, max_tx_ex_mem sets the boundaries for individual transactions. It ensures that no single smart contract interaction monopolizes the network's computational resources. As of December 2025, the current value is 14,000,000 memory units.

What is it

The max_tx_ex_mem parameter establishes a ceiling on how much memory a single transaction can consume when executing scripts. Unlike regular ada transfers that require minimal computational overhead, smart contract transactions can demand significant memory resources to validate complex logic, process large datasets, or interact with multiple protocols simultaneously.

This parameter works as a protective mechanism,…