Block interval refers to the time it takes for new blocks to be added to a blockchain. This time frame can vary significantly between different blockchain networks and is influenced by their consensus mechanisms. For example, Bitcoin has an average block interval of around 10 minutes, meaning that approximately every 10 minutes, a new block is mined and added to the blockchain.

In contrast, Ethereum, prior to its shift to proof-of-stake, had a shorter block time of around 15 seconds. Block intervals play a crucial role in transaction confirmation. A shorter interval typically allows for quicker transaction processing but may lead to issues like orphaned blocks, where two blocks are created at nearly the same time.

Longer intervals can provide more stability but may slow down the overall system for users waiting for confirmations. The design of block intervals balances the trade-off between speed and security, affecting how efficiently transactions are processed on the network.