Calculate the total number of unique NFT combinations based on your layers and traits. Perfect for planning NFT collection sizes and rarity distributions.
Name of your layer
Number of trait variations
Layers are the building blocks of generative NFT collections. Each layer represents a different aspect of your NFT (background, body, eyes, accessories, etc.). The combination of traits across all layers creates unique NFTs.
Traits are the individual variations within each layer. For example, a "Background" layer might have 10 traits: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, etc. Each trait is one possible option for that layer in the final NFT.
Total combinations = Layer1 traits × Layer2 traits × ... × LayerN traits. For example: 10 backgrounds × 15 bodies × 12 eyes = 1,800 unique NFTs.
10K Collections: CryptoPunks, Bored Ape Yacht Club - the most common and proven size.
5K-10K: Azuki, Doodles - mid-sized with strong community focus.
1K-5K: Smaller, more exclusive collections with higher per-piece value.
Not all traits should be equally common. Create rarity tiers: common (60-70%), uncommon (20-25%), rare (8-10%), legendary (2-5%). This creates value hierarchy and collector excitement.
Most successful collections use 5-8 layers with 8-20 traits per layer. This balances uniqueness with manageable art production. More layers increase variety exponentially.
Start with at least 2 layers. Common layer types: Background, Body/Base, Face/Eyes, Mouth, Headwear, Clothing, Accessories, Effects. Name each layer descriptively.
For each layer, count how many different trait variations you plan to create. If you have 15 different background designs, enter 15. If you have 20 different hats, enter 20 for the Hat layer.
You can use up to 8 layers. Layers 3-8 are optional. Add as many as you need for your collection. More layers = exponentially more combinations. Leave unused layers empty.
See your total unique combinations, collection category (Massive, Large, Standard, etc.), and whether you hit the popular 10K collection size. Compare against successful projects.
Too few combinations? Add more layers or increase traits per layer. Too many? Reduce traits or layers. Aim for 10K-100K for most projects, or 1K-5K for exclusive, artist-focused collections.
Background (10) × Body (12) × Eyes (15) × Mouth (10) × Hat (20) × Accessories (8) = 288,000 unique NFTs. Perfect for multiple 10K drops!
Total = Layer1 × Layer2 × ... × LayerN
Each layer multiplies the possibilities. This is the fundamental combinatorics principle.
3 Backgrounds × 5 Bodies = 15 NFTs
Each background can combine with each body: 3 × 5 = 15 unique combinations
10 × 15 × 12 × 8 = 14,400 NFTs
4 layers (Background, Body, Eyes, Accessories) create 14,400 unique pieces
2 layers (10, 10): 100 combinations
3 layers (10, 10, 10): 1,000 combinations
4 layers (10, 10, 10, 10): 10,000 combinations
Each new layer multiplies the total by the number of traits in that layer!
3 layers (5, 5, 5): 125 combinations
3 layers (10, 10, 10): 1,000 combinations
3 layers (20, 20, 20): 8,000 combinations
Doubling traits per layer significantly increases total combinations
Target 10K? Try: 10 × 10 × 10 × 10 = 10,000
Or: 20 × 20 × 25 = 10,000
Or: 8 × 15 × 12 × 7 = 10,080
Multiple layer configurations can reach the same total. Balance art complexity vs. variety.
Order doesn't matter! 10 × 15 × 20 = 15 × 20 × 10 = 20 × 10 × 15 = 3,000 combinations. Arrange your layers in visual stacking order (background to foreground), not for calculation purposes.
Strategy: 5 character types × multiple attributes = exactly 10K unique punks
Lesson: Simple layer structure with strong variety can create iconic, valuable NFTs
Layers: 7+ layers (fur, clothes, eyes, hat, mouth, background, accessories)
Lesson: More layers (7-8) with moderate traits (10-20 each) creates rich variety
Approach: Anime-inspired with detailed traits across background, body, clothing, hair, eyes
Lesson: Artistic style matters more than just numbers. Quality over quantity
Scale: Under 1K - ultra-exclusive generative art
Lesson: Smaller collections work for artist-focused, high-value pieces. Quality and artistry drive value
Focus: 10K with strong community and artistic identity
Lesson: 10K remains the sweet spot for balancing scarcity, community size, and marketplace liquidity
Innovation: Standard 10K with utility focus (nesting/staking mechanics)
Lesson: Collection size is just one factor. Utility, community, and roadmap matter immensely
Define your artistic vision first. What makes your NFTs unique? Pixel art, 3D renders, hand-drawn, generative art? Your style influences how many layers and traits are feasible to create.
More layers/traits = more art to create. If you have 8 layers with 20 traits each, that's 160 individual art pieces to draw. Consider your team size and timeline when planning.
This calculator shows possible combinations, but you'll assign probability weights to traits. A "Golden Crown" might appear in only 1% of NFTs despite being 1 of 20 hat options. Design your rarity system early.
Generate 50-100 random combinations to verify all trait combinations look good together. Some combinations might clash visually or be impossible (e.g., "Laser Eyes" with "Sunglasses"). Plan trait exclusions.
Follow OpenSea/marketplace metadata standards. Each NFT needs structured JSON with layer names, trait types, and values. Plan this structure before generating your collection.
Collection size impacts community. 10K supports large, active communities. 1K creates exclusive clubs. Match your supply to your community-building strategy and utility plans (staking, governance, etc.).
• ✓ Calculate total combinations (this tool!)
• ✓ Design all layer art assets
• ✓ Define rarity tiers and weights
• ✓ Generate test samples
• ✓ Create metadata structure
• ✓ Set up smart contract
• ✓ Plan reveal strategy
• ✓ Build pre-launch community
Large collections require significant storage. 10K NFTs at 1MB each = 10GB of image data. Use IPFS, Arweave, or decentralized storage. Budget for hosting costs.
Generating thousands of unique images takes time. For 10K collection, expect several hours to days depending on complexity. Plan your timeline accordingly.
Larger collections don't significantly impact contract complexity, but minting mechanics do. Consider batch minting, randomized reveals, and gas optimization strategies.
Ensure metadata follows ERC-721/1155 standards and OpenSea guidelines. Improper metadata prevents proper display on marketplaces.
True randomization is critical. Use cryptographically secure random number generation. Avoid predictable patterns that could be exploited during minting.
With high trait counts, duplicates are mathematically unlikely but possible. Implement duplicate checking during generation. Hash each combination to ensure uniqueness.
Some trait combinations may be visually impossible or nonsensical (e.g., two hat types at once). Build trait exclusion rules into your generation script.
Collection size affects total gas for deployment and minting. Optimize contract code. Consider ERC-721A for batch minting efficiency on Ethereum.