Why Generate Your Seed Phrase with Dice?
Your Bitcoin seed phrase is the master key to your funds. Whoever controls the seed phrase controls the Bitcoin. Most hardware wallets generate seed phrases using their own internal random number generator — which you cannot verify and must trust completely.
The Numbers Behind BIP39
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Collect your dice, the printed BIP39 word list, paper, pencil, and your offline computer. Verify the word list against the official source before printing. Set up in a private room away from cameras, phones, and people.
- D20 + D10 dice, or multiple D6 + coin
- BIP39 word list — printed, not on screen
- Paper and pencil — to be destroyed later
- Air-gapped computer or live USB (Tails OS)
You need to generate numbers in the range 0–2047 (11 bits per word). Two common methods:
- Method A — D20 + D10: Roll a D20 (0–19) and a D10 (0–9). Combine to get 0–199, then use a lookup table to map ranges to word indices.
- Method B — D6 + coin flips: Roll D6 dice repeatedly and flip a coin to build binary digits. Convert each 11-bit binary number to a decimal index (0–2047).
- Method C — Ian Coleman tool: Use the Ian Coleman BIP39 tool offline with dice rolls entered manually.
Roll your dice carefully on a flat surface. Record each result before moving to the next. Each roll combination yields a number in the range 0–2047. Continue until you have 23 numbers recorded.
Take your time. Accuracy here is critical — a transcription error means you cannot recover your wallet later.
Use your 23 numbers as indices into the BIP39 word list. Word #0 is "abandon", word #2047 is "zoo". Write each word next to its number, in order.
Double-check every word against the list carefully. Words that look similar (e.g. able vs above) must be recorded exactly as they appear.
On your offline computer, run a BIP39 tool or script that accepts your 23 words and derives the valid 24th (checksum) word. This step requires software — but it must be done completely offline.
Recommended offline tools: veebch/Bip39-Dice on GitHub, or the Ian Coleman BIP39 tool saved locally and opened in an air-gapped browser.
Import all 24 words into an offline-capable wallet to confirm correct address derivation. Check that the wallet generates expected Bitcoin addresses. This confirms your seed is valid and correctly recorded.
Do not send any funds yet until you have independently restored the wallet from the seed phrase on a separate device or wallet app to confirm you can access it.
Transfer your 24 words to a durable, permanent medium — metal seed backup plates are ideal (stainless steel or titanium). Paper degrades, burns, and floods. Metal doesn't.
- Engrave or stamp words into steel plates
- Store in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location
- Consider a second backup stored in a geographically separate location
- Never store digitally — no photos, no cloud, no password manager
What a Complete 24-Word Seed Looks Like
The layout below shows how your 24 words are numbered. Word 24 is derived mathematically from words 1–23 as a checksum.
Example only — never use a seed phrase you did not generate yourself.
Security Considerations
Roll on a flat, stable surface. Casino-grade precision dice are worth the small cost. Avoid cheap promotional dice — irregular weight distribution can bias outcomes.
Remove all phones from the room. Disable Wi-Fi on your computer. Use Tails OS on a USB stick if possible — it leaves no trace on the host machine and never connects to the network.
Never photograph your seed phrase, word list, or working notes. Smart TVs, laptops with cameras, and phones all present risk. Cover or remove any camera that points toward your workspace.
The paper you used during the dice rolls and word lookup must be destroyed after you've made your permanent backup. Shred and burn it — don't leave it in a bin.
Paper degrades, burns, floods, and fades. Stamp or engrave your seed words into stainless steel or titanium plate. Store in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Consider a geographically separate second backup.
No legitimate wallet, exchange, support team, or person will ever need your seed phrase. Anyone who asks for it is attempting to steal your Bitcoin. There are no exceptions.
Additional Resources
- Official BIP39 Specification — Bitcoin GitHub The original BIP39 proposal defining the mnemonic code standard for generating deterministic keys.
- veebch/Bip39-Dice — GitHub Open-source tool for generating BIP39 seed phrases from dice rolls. Run offline on a Raspberry Pi or air-gapped computer.
- Arman The Parman — Bitcoin Self-Custody Guide Comprehensive, practical guidance on Bitcoin self-custody, key generation, and operational security from a respected educator.
- Official BIP39 English Word List — GitHub The canonical 2,048-word list. Print this offline and use it as your lookup reference during dice-roll generation.
Self-custody is not just a technical skill — it is a philosophy. Maple Bitcoin School helps Canadians understand not just how to hold Bitcoin, but why it matters. Free trial available.
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