Knowledge
All educational articles on tokenomics — from basics to advanced models
Tokenomics Basics
What is tokenomics, design process, stakeholders
What Is Tokenomics
Tokenomics definition: six disciplines, how it differs from cryptoeconomics, stakeholder analysis, and how parameters shape a token system.
When You Don't Need a Token
A 7-question checklist to determine if your project needs a token. Common tokenization mistakes and alternatives.
The Tokenomics Design Process
Complete tokenomics design process: from market research to final documentation. Stages, stakeholders, supply and demand models.
Stakeholders in Tokenomics
Stakeholder typology for token economic models: roles, interests, conflicts. Motivation-horizon matrix, utility function, and a sell pressure calculator.
Supply Models
Allocation, bonding curves, airdrops, reward emissions, market models
5 Token Supply Models
Five token supply models: allocation, bonding curve, airdrop, reward, and market distribution. Each explained with examples, formulas, and practical guidance.
Token Allocation as a Supply Model
How to distribute tokens among the team, investors, and community. Vesting schedules, cliff, TGE, common mistakes, and an unlock calculator.
Airdrop as a Token Distribution Model
Airdrop — free token distribution for activity. Four airdrop types, allocation formulas, sybil protection, sell pressure, and a distribution calculator.
Bonding Curve: A Token Supply Model
What is a bonding curve, minting formulas, curve types, DeFi and loyalty program examples. How to choose parameters A, B, C.
DePIN Tokenomics: Decentralized Infrastructure Economics
DePIN tokenomics: Burn-and-Mint Equilibrium, incentive flywheel, and node unit economics. Filecoin, Helium, Render, and Hivemapper analysis with formulas.
Points Systems: Pre-Token Loyalty Programs
How to design a points program — actions, conversion, Sybil defense. Case studies from EigenLayer, Blast, Hyperliquid. Formulas and anti-patterns.
Reward Emission: Halving, Decay Curves, and GameFi Rewards
Reward supply model: how to design emission for useful actions. Halving, decay curves, GameFi rewards, and an emission calculator.
Market Models: Order Book, AMM, and Intent-Based Trading
Three market models for token liquidity: order book, AMM, and intent-based trading. Mechanism comparison, slippage formulas, and decision tree.
Market Making in Tokenomics: Role, Models, and Cost
How market makers affect tokenomics: spreads, depth, inventory risk, loan + call option, MM KPIs. When you need an MM and when you don't.
Demand Models
Demand models, velocity, dividends, staking
5 Token Demand Models
Five demand models for token utility: Discount, Payment, Ownership, Securities, Value Transfer. Formulas, real-world examples, and a selection algorithm.
Token Velocity: Why Payment Tokens Lose Value
Token velocity and price: MV=PQ equation, the velocity paradox, velocity sinks (staking, burning, locking), interactive calculator, and Python simulation.
Staking: Economics, Models, and Reward Design
Staking economics in tokenomics: APR vs APY, inflationary vs real rewards, liquid staking, and slashing. Formulas, simulation code, and a yield calculator.
veTokenomics: The Economics of Vote Escrow in DeFi
Deep dive into the ve-model — voting power decay formula, gauge voting, bribe economics. Comparison of Curve, Pendle, Velodrome and ve(3,3).
Stablecoin Tokenomics: Models, Formulas, and Terra Lessons
Four stablecoin models — fiat-backed, algorithmic, hybrid, and CDP. Peg mechanics, the UST crash analysis, and USDC/DAI/FRAX comparison.
Dividends vs Buyback: Two Token Utilization Models
Comparing dividend (revenue share) and buyback & burn models. Yield formulas, metrics, hybrid ve-models, and choosing the optimal utilization strategy.
Discount Model: Token Utility Through Fee Reduction
Discount token utility: price ceiling formula, discount types (fixed, tiered, dynamic), BNB and CRO case studies, and token reinforcement strategies.
Payment Model: Token as the Means of Payment
Payment utility model: token as the sole means of payment. MV=PQ equation, velocity paradox, retention mechanisms, Filecoin, ETH, and TON case studies.
Ownership Model: NFTs, RWA, and Commodity Tokens
Ownership as a token utility model: NFTs, RWA, commodity tokens. NAV and premium formulas, three types of ownership tokens, PAXG, Ondo, and RealT cases.
Tools
Simulations, agent-based modeling, templates, mechanism design
Token Project Unit Economics: Metrics, Formulas, and Modeling
How to calculate unit economics for a crypto project — LTV, CAC, revenue per token, velocity. Formulas, Python code, and common mistakes.
Agent-Based Modeling in Tokenomics
When spreadsheets aren't enough: agent-based modeling for stress-testing tokenomics. Python code, charts, and result analysis.
On-Chain Analytics for Tokenomists: Tools, Metrics, and Practice
On-chain analytics for tokenomists: Dune, Nansen, DefiLlama tools, holder concentration metrics, exchange flows, and wallet activity patterns.
Allocation and Vesting Template (Google Sheets)
Token allocation and vesting template in Google Sheets: set group shares, cliff, and vesting — get the full unlock schedule and charts automatically.
DeFi Risk Management: Simulation, Monitoring, and Parameter Optimization
DeFi risk management: vulnerability detection, risk oracles, and parameter simulation. Gauntlet, Chaos Labs, VaR formulas, and cascade liquidation mechanics.
Tokenomics Simulations: Monte Carlo to Agent-Based Models
Simulation methods for tokenomics: sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, Monte Carlo, agent-based modeling. Python code, charts, and method comparison.
Mechanism Design in Tokenomics
How to integrate supply and demand models into a unified incentive system. Game theory foundations, design cases, and common mistakes.
Prediction Markets: AMM, CLOB, and Betting Tokenomics
How prediction markets work: AMM vs CLOB comparison, LMSR pricing formula, betting fairness problem, and Sybil arbitrage.
Primitives
AMM, liquidity, base protocol mechanisms
Governance & DAO
Voting mechanisms, delegation, governance attacks
Voting Models in Tokenomics
DAO voting mechanisms compared: token-weighted, quadratic, conviction voting, ve-model. Quorum formulas, governance attacks, and practical recommendations.
Lessons from Planned Economies for DAO Governance
What Gosplan and DAOs have in common: pricing without markets, seven reform cycles. Parallels between Soviet planned economics and decentralized governance.