Learn·Bittensor
Tempo, epochs and where new τ comes from
Emission is the chain paying for work on a fixed schedule — the metronome behind every subnet number.
Published 2026-09-01 · updated 2026-09-28
Tempo is the heartbeat
A subnet's tempo is how many blocks pass between epochs. At each epoch the validators' weights are applied and rewards are distributed.
Tempo differs per subnet. A longer tempo is not worse — it just means the scoring loop runs less often.
Emission is not yield
Emission is τ the chain injects into a subnet, per block, to pay for the work being done. It is a flow into the system, not a return paid to you for holding.
Holding α does not entitle you to emission. Delegating to a validator can earn you a share of what that validator receives, which is a different thing and is what the APR (simple) and APY (compounded) columns measure.
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How validator APR is computed
One epoch's α dividends divided by the α the nominators held, times the epochs in a year — a simple rate in α, read from the chain every epoch; a 24-hour median in the validators directory.
How the α price works
It is a ratio between two chain values, not an order book — which is why the price can move with no trade at all.