> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.meteora.ag/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# DAMM v2 Time Scheduler

> Learn how DAMM v2 time scheduler fees can stay fixed or decay over configured time periods using linear or exponential curves.

DAMM v2 time scheduler fees let a pool use a fixed base fee or start with a higher launch fee and reduce that fee over time. This is useful when a launch needs stronger early protection, but should gradually move toward normal trading conditions.

Time scheduler fees are based on a clock: after trading activates, DAMM v2 counts configured periods and adjusts the fee as each period passes.

## How It Works

A time scheduler uses four core settings:

| Setting             | Product Meaning                      |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Cliff fee numerator | Starting fee when the pool opens     |
| Number of periods   | How many fee reductions happen       |
| Period frequency    | How long each period lasts           |
| Reduction factor    | How much the fee changes each period |

DAMM v2 supports two time scheduler curves: linear and exponential.

## Linear Time Scheduler

The linear time scheduler decreases the fee numerator by the same fixed amount each period.

```math theme={"system"}
\text{Fee Numerator} = \text{Cliff Fee Numerator} - (\text{Passed Periods} \times \text{Reduction Factor})
```

In product terms, the fee walks down a staircase. Every step is the same size, so teams can explain exactly when the fee will drop and by how much.

Use linear time scheduling when you want a simple, predictable launch schedule such as "fees decrease by the same amount every few minutes until the launch window ends."

## Exponential Time Scheduler

The exponential time scheduler reduces the fee by applying the reduction factor each period.

```math theme={"system"}
\text{Fee Numerator} = \text{Cliff Fee Numerator} \times \left(1 - \frac{\text{Reduction Factor}}{10{,}000}\right)^{\text{Passed Periods}}
```

In product terms, the fee drops faster early, then slows as it approaches the final fee. The exact on-chain calculation uses integer math.

## Fixed Fee Configuration

A time scheduler can also behave as a fixed fee. If `period_frequency`, `number_of_period`, and `reduction_factor` are all zero, the program returns the cliff fee numerator for every swap.

<Warning>
  If any of those three scheduler fields is non-zero, all three must be non-zero. Mixed zero/non-zero scheduler settings are invalid.
</Warning>

## Pre-Activation Behavior

If the current slot or timestamp is before the pool activation point, the time scheduler uses the final period. This path is used for pre-activation alpha-vault buying, not normal public trading.

## Why Use Time Scheduler Fees

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Launch Protection" icon="shield" iconType="solid">
    Early trades can face higher fees when launch sniping risk is often highest.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Predictable Decay" icon="clock" iconType="solid">
    Fees move according to a configured time schedule rather than manual updates.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flexible Curve Choice" icon="chart-line" iconType="solid">
    Linear decay is easier to communicate, while exponential decay drops faster at the start.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Launchpad Friendly" icon="rocket" iconType="solid">
    Time schedulers work well for repeatable launch templates and public launch windows.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Linear vs Exponential

| Curve       | Best For                                         | Fee Behavior                                                     |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Linear      | Simple, transparent schedules                    | Fee numerator decreases by a fixed amount each period            |
| Exponential | Strong early protection with faster early relief | Fee numerator decreases by a percentage-style factor each period |

## When To Choose It

Use a time scheduler when the launch plan is time-based. If fees should come down after a fixed number of slots or seconds, time scheduling is the clearest choice.

Use [Market Cap Scheduler Fees](/core-products/damm-v2/fees/market-cap-scheduler) instead when fees should decrease only as the pool price grows.