What is the block size for the Blowfish encryption algorithm?

The Blowfish encryption algorithm uses a block size of 64 bits. This means that data is divided into blocks of 64 bits each before encryption. Blowfish was designed to be a fast and secure symmetric key block cipher, and the 64-bit block size was chosen during its development to ensure efficiency while maintaining a level of security suitable for a broad range of applications. Although 64 bits may seem small by modern standards, it was considered secure at the time of the algorithm's introduction in the early 1990s.

The 64-bit block size also plays a crucial role in the algorithm's overall structure, allowing the use of variable-length keys from 32 bits up to 448 bits. This flexibility in key length, coupled with the 64-bit block size, contributes to Blowfish's overall performance and adaptability in various encryption scenarios.