# Hierarchical Determination **Hierarchical Determination** is a security and convenience feature that is used by some [self-custody wallets](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets.md). In an hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallet, a single master [seed phrase](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/seed-phrases.md) is used to generate a hierarchy of [private keys](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/private-keys.md). This allows the user to create multiple [public addresses](/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/public-addresses.md) for receiving and sending transactions, while still being able to use a single, easy-to-remember seed to back up and restore the wallet. The hierarchical structure of an HD wallet allows for better security and ease of use. Because the wallet is derived from a single master seed, it is easy to back up and restore, and the user only needs to remember a single seed phrase in order to access their funds. The use of multiple private and public keys allows for better security, as it means that not all of the user's funds are stored in a single address. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.allforone.app/glossary/definitions/self-custody-wallets/hierarchical-determination.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.