> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bucketprotocol.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bucketprotocol.io/token/what-is-usdbut-and-debut.md).
# What is $BUT and deBUT
### Overview
* **$BUT** — [The native protocol token of Bucket](https://suivision.xyz/coin/0xbc858cb910b9914bee64fff0f9b38855355a040c49155a17b265d9086d256545::but::BUT).
* **deBUT** — a **non-transferable weighting** tied to your **staked BUT**.
* Think “**staking power**”: **deBUT weighting determines the strength of your future utilities and rewards.**
* **Fully staked:** `1 BUT → 1 deBUT` (weight **1:1**).
* Starting an **unstake** introduces a **unstake period** and a **penalty** (details below).
***
### Unstake mechanics
When you start **unstaking**, you choose an **unstake period `T`** between **30 and 365 days**. Your **final BUT received** at completion depends on `T`:
* At **T = 30 days**, you receive **30%** back (**70% penalty**).
* At **T = 365 days**, you receive **100%** back (**0% penalty**).
* For unstake period in between, the **penalty decreases linearly** from **70% → 0%**.
#### Penalty formula
Let `T` be the chosen unstake period in **days** (30 ≤ T ≤ 365).
Then \
penalty\_ratio = 0.70 × ( 1 − (T − 30) / 335 )
received\_ratio = 1 − penalty\_ratio
* Checks:
* `T = 30` → `penalty = 70%`, `received = 30%`
* `T = 365` → `penalty = 0%`, `received = 100%`
***
### deBUT weight during the unstake countdown
While an amount `U` of your staked BUT is in the **unstake period**, the **weight of that portion** is counted at **50%** until the countdown completes or is cancelled.
* Let `S_total` be your staked BUT before requesting to unstake.
* **Effective deBUT weight during the countdown**: deBUT\_weight = (S\_total − U) × 1.0 + U × 0.5
* **Cancel Unstake:** restores **1:1** weight instantly.
* At completion, settlement follows the **received/penalty** ratios from the formula above.
**Example (all 100 BUT unstaked for 30 days):**
* During the 30-day countdown: **deBUT weight = 100 × 0.5 = 50**.
* At completion (T = 30): `received_ratio = 0.30` → you **claim 30 BUT**; **70 BUT** goes to the **penalty pool**.
* If you **cancel** before completion: stake returns to **100 BUT** and **deBUT weight = 100** (1:1).
> **Important:** After the chosen unstake period **completes**, the request **cannot be cancelled**.
***
### Penalty pool & distributions
* **Penalty destination:** BUT deducted by penalty accumulates in a **penalty pool**.
* **Future distribution:** The pool is intended to be **distributed to deBUT holders**.
* Details, cadence, and methodology: **To be announced**.
***
### How to stake BUT (Step-by-step)
All actions are available on the [**BUT page**](https://www.bucketprotocol.io/but).
1. Open the **BUT** page → Check **Stake tab**.
2. Enter the **BUT amount** to stake and **check the preview**.
3. **Confirm(Stake)**.
***
### How to unstake BUT (Step-by-step)
1. On the [**BUT** page](https://www.bucketprotocol.io/but) → Check **Unstake tab.**
2. Input Unstaking amount and choose an **unstake period `T`** between **30–365 days**.
3. The preview shows:
* **deBUT weight during countdown**
* **penalty\_ratio** (expected penalty)
4. **Confirm** to start the countdown.
***
#### Cancel Unstake
1. Check Unstaking requests on BUT page.
2. While the countdown is active, click **Cancel Unstake**.
3. Your stake returns to **fully staked** and **deBUT = 1:1** immediately.
> **Note:** After the selected period completes, **cancel is unavailable**.
***
### Examples
**Example A — 30-day Unstake**
* `T = 30` → `received_ratio = 0.30` → you **claim 30%**; **70%** goes to the **penalty pool**.
* During the countdown, the unstaking portion counts at **50% deBUT weight**.
**Example B — 180-day Unstake**
* `T = 180` →\
`penalty_ratio = 0.70 × (1 − (180 − 30)/335) ≈ 0.3955`\
`received_ratio ≈ 0.6045` → claim **\~60.45%** at completion.
* During the countdown, that portion’s **deBUT weight = 50%**.
**Example C — 365-day Unstake**
* `T = 365` → `received_ratio = 1.00` (no penalty).
* No penalty; the portion still counts as **50% deBUT weight** **only** if it is in an active countdown (i.e., until completion or cancellation).