# Emission: Cliff, Linear

## Overview

Token release schedules use inconsistent terms, making it difficult to compare projects. We solve this by standardizing unlock models into two types: periodic **Cliff Release** and daily **Linear Release**. Our **Emission** component provides the complete picture by tracking net supply changes from both inflation and token burns (deflation).

<figure><img src="/files/k0jOpOyJUMpWncwNadj6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Methodology

#### **Definitions**

* **Cliff Unlock:** An unlock event that occurs at a set interval greater than one day (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly). This represents a discrete, periodic release of tokens.
* **Linear Unlock:** A continuous, daily release of a specific number of tokens. This represents a smooth, predictable increase in the circulating supply.
* **Inflation:** The number of new tokens either from new issuance or released according to a release schedule.
* **Deflation:** The decrease of tokens via a burn mechanism.
* **Emission:** Calculated as `Inflation - Deflation`.

1. **Unlock Classification:** We analyze each allocation's release schedule. If tokens are released daily, we classify the model as **Linear**. If they are released in discrete intervals (weekly, monthly, etc.), we classify it as a **Cliff**.
2. **Emission Calculation:**
   * **Historical:** We track all inflation and deflation events from the Token Generation Event (TGE) to today to calculate the total net emission history.
   * **Projected:** We project future inflation based on all known **Cliff** and **Linear** unlock schedules. **Note:** Our future projections do not include potential deflationary events (burns), as these are often variable and unpredictable.

#### **Example Cases**

* **Case 1 (Cliff):** A project's "Advisor" tokens unlock 1,000,000 tokens on the 1st of every month. Our system shows this as a monthly **Cliff Unlock** with a countdown.
* **Case 2 (Linear):** A protocol's "Ecosystem Rewards" release 50,000 tokens per day. We classify this as a **Linear Unlock** and show a countdown to the next *change in this daily rate*, allowing analysts to model smooth inflation.

## Accessing Unlock & Emission Data

This data is a central feature of the main dashboard for every asset we track.

* The **Cliff** and **Linear** unlock modules are located at the top of the page, giving you an immediate summary of the next critical supply events.
* The detailed **Emission** chart is located further down, providing a comprehensive view of historical and projected supply changes.

See more about this on the **Token page**.


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