• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 20:14
CEST 02:14
KST 09:14
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt2: News Flash8[ASL21] Ro24 Preview Pt1: New Chaos0Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy16ByuL: The Forgotten Master of ZvT30Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book20
Community News
Weekly Cups (March 23-29): herO takes triple6Aligulac acquired by REPLAYMAN.com/Stego Research8Weekly Cups (March 16-22): herO doubles, Cure surprises3Blizzard Classic Cup @ BlizzCon 2026 - $100k prize pool49Weekly Cups (March 9-15): herO, Clem, ByuN win4
StarCraft 2
General
Team Liquid Map Contest #22 - Presented by Monster Energy Aligulac acquired by REPLAYMAN.com/Stego Research Weekly Cups (March 23-29): herO takes triple What mix of new & old maps do you want in the next ladder pool? (SC2) herO wins SC2 All-Star Invitational
Tourneys
Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament RSL Season 4 announced for March-April StarCraft Evolution League (SC Evo Biweekly) WardiTV Mondays World University TeamLeague (500$+) | Signups Open
Strategy
Custom Maps
[M] (2) Frigid Storage Publishing has been re-enabled! [Feb 24th 2026]
External Content
Mutation # 519 Inner Power The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 518 Radiation Zone Mutation # 517 Distant Threat
Brood War
General
BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Behind the scenes footage of ASL21 Group E ASL21 General Discussion A cwal.gg Extension - Easily keep track of anyone BW General Discussion
Tourneys
[ASL21] Ro24 Group E Azhi's Colosseum - Foreign KCM [ASL21] Ro24 Group F 🌍 Weekly Foreign Showmatches
Strategy
Fighting Spirit mining rates What's the deal with APM & what's its true value Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread Starcraft Tabletop Miniature Game General RTS Discussion Thread Darkest Dungeon
Dota 2
The Story of Wings Gaming Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
G2 just beat GenG in First stand
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas TL Mafia Community Thread Five o'clock TL Mafia
Community
General
Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine US Politics Mega-thread Canadian Politics Mega-thread The Games Industry And ATVI European Politico-economics QA Mega-thread
Fan Clubs
The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece [Req][Books] Good Fantasy/SciFi books
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion Cricket [SPORT] Tokyo Olympics 2021 Thread General nutrition recommendations
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
[G] How to Block Livestream Ads
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Funny Nicknames
LUCKY_NOOB
Money Laundering In Video Ga…
TrAiDoS
Iranian anarchists: organize…
XenOsky
FS++
Kraekkling
Shocked by a laser…
Spydermine0240
ASL S21 English Commentary…
namkraft
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 10144 users

Chrono Boost Math

Forum Index > StarCraft 2 Strategy
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 Next All
Volka
Profile Joined December 2010
Argentina411 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-03-06 16:42:46
February 23 2011 00:24 GMT
#1
I'm surprised there's not a thread about this, at least none that I could find.
I've made a table with all the units/upgrades build/research times modified by chronoboosting (CB).

Here it is:
Excel table.

I've compared the results with what we see on the game. It seems consistent. I'm quite confident on its veracity.
However, I've thought the math by myself, and since I'm not particulary good at it, I'd like you guys to check it out and see if it holds.
Also, take into account that english is not my native language so I may not express my self clearly enough, unfortunately.

If you don't mind about the math, just jump to the Conclusions&Important Timings.

Introduction
+ Show Spoiler +
As you know, every CB puts the building into an "accelerated state" in which it'll build/upgrade 50% faster for 20 seconds (those 20 seconds are "game seconds", and can be counted by the sc2 time counter).

In normal circumstances, a building builds/researches at a speed of 1 (30 seconds to complete a 30 "production units" unit/research).
The acceleration factor (50%) tells us that, during a CB's duration, the speed at which it builds/reseaches is 1.5 (20 seconds to complete a 30 "production units" unit/research).

That of "production units" is confusing. This is what I mean:
If you leave your mouse cursor over a construction bar, you'll see as your chrono that the speed at which the numbers go up increases. So the building is doing more "production units" by game second.


Why the math?
+ Show Spoiler +

I didn't mean to make this a "math postulate". I'm just expaining how I get the numbers in case:
a) You're curious and you really care.
b) Something MIGHT be wrong because nobody is perfect. In that case, more talented people can review it and I'll fix it.

In you don't care about the math, just skip all that and go to the juicy parts: conclusions and numbers.


Chrono Boost Reduction
+ Show Spoiler +

You can deduce, or do enough experiments, to get this formula.

Cr= Cd*Cf-Cd= Cd(Cf-1)

Where:
Cr= Chrono Reduction. Save of time in seconds caused by one CB.
Cd= Chrono duration (20 secs).
Cf= Chrono factor (1.5).

Computing the numbers you get:

CR= 10 seconds.

So: one Chrono Boost == you save up 10 seconds.


General Build Time formula
+ Show Spoiler +

If you apply more than one CB, then of course you get linear results:
Two chronos= 20 seconds.
Three chronos = 30 seconds.
And so on.

So the general formula to get a Bt modified by CB is:

Bt'=Bt-N*Cr

where N is the number of chronos applied.


Minimum Build Time
+ Show Spoiler +
If you apply continuous CB (one after another) is like you have accelerated time by 1.5. So the fastest BT' you can get is BT/1.5.
Which is 50% faster. This is the limit.


Number of continuous CB needed
+ Show Spoiler +

To get the maximum number of CB, you just solve the equation for N using BTmin.

BTmin=Bt/1.5=Bt-N*Cr


CB and Nexus energy
+ Show Spoiler +

We'd like get a formula that can tell us how many continuous CB (one Chrono every 20 secs) can we get from a Nexus.
This can also be used to, for example, know much energy is needed to CB Warpgate research.
That formula is (contribution of Jaeger, thanks):
Nc*Ec=Nn[Ei+ Rg* Dc*( Nc-1)]

where:
Nc= Amount of continuous CB we can get.
Nn= Amount of Nexi.
Ei= Initial Energy of Nexi.

And we solve for Nc or Ei, whichever we want to get.
We can get interesting results from this. More on conclusions.


CB and shields!
+ Show Spoiler +

I accidently found out this thing. Don't know if it's wide known but I haven't heard of this anywhere.

The fact: CB accelerates the speed at which shields recharge by 50% too!

I've tested this on a Nexus, testing how much it takes to replenish its shields without and with continuous CB on the Nexus.
Normally, when the building is no longer being attacked, shields recharge a constant rate of 2 SHP per second.
With CCB, I've found that they recharge faster, at a rate of 3SHP/sec.

You can see the results inside the Excel chart.



Conclusions & Important Timings
+ Show Spoiler +

*First conclusion: One Chrono Boost == you save up 10 game seconds.

*Second conclusion: CB is linear. The more you chrono, the more you save up and always with the same proportion.

*Third conclusion: You can get something up to 50% faster using CB. No more. This is the limit.
Note that 50% faster DOESN'T mean that it takes half of the time. It takes 66% of the original time to build (or 33% less time).

*Fourth conclusion: Buildings shields recharge 50% faster when CB! Test it yourself


Assuming continuous CB:

Colossus
*BT'= 50 (you save 25 seconds).
*CB needed= 3.

Inmortal
*BT'= 37 (you save 18 seconds).
*CB needed= 2.

Void Ray
*BT'= 40 (you save 20 seconds).
*CB needed= 2.

Warp Gate research
*BT'= 93 (you save 47 seconds).
*CB needed= 5.

+1 Ground Weapons Research
*BT'=107 (you save 53 seconds).
*CB needed= 5.

CB and Nexus
-Empty Nexi (Ei=0).
You can get 1 CB every 45 seconds.
If you have more than you Nexus, then time is split. Example: 2 Nexi, then 1 CB every 22.5 secs, which is almost enough to get continuous CB.

-Full Nexi (Ei=100).
You can continuously CB 6 times (waiting a little you'll have 7). For instance, that's more than enough to fully CB Warpgate research (only need 5 CB).

More data on the Excel spreadsheet.



That's it guys. Please let me know what do you think. Open for suggestions.
http://www.starsite.com.ar
GenesisX
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
Canada4267 Posts
February 23 2011 00:26 GMT
#2
Good, simple post. I think the main misconception people have is that they think that Cboost helps production by 100%, when its actually 50%. I know I did, lol.
133 221 333 123 111
DrBoo
Profile Joined April 2010
Canada1177 Posts
February 23 2011 00:32 GMT
#3
Thanks for this post helpful insight with math and etc is always appreciated.
"DrBoo is an elaborate troll" -Pufftrees
CodECleaR
Profile Joined November 2010
United States395 Posts
February 23 2011 00:34 GMT
#4
Ty, math was never my strong subject xD
How do you beat a terran who's hardcore turtling off 3 base? Flip him on his back and walk away."
Sek-Kuar
Profile Joined November 2010
Czech Republic593 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-02-23 00:47:48
February 23 2011 00:42 GMT
#5
I wouldnt call it simple unless you have some sort of math Ph.D. - imo its really complicated way to "explain" quite simple thing.


But whatever, some ppl might like, but you are missing one thing:
Nexus regenerate 25 ene in roughly 45 sec (45*0,5625= ~25), so using energy from single nexus you can boost something by 50% for 20 seconds every 45 sec, so one nexus is capable of boosting something by 22% in total using constant chrono boost (50%*20/45) if no energy was saved.


This means that when you have only one Nexus and with no energy saved, if you start CB something you can reduce build/research time to ~82% of original.
Scientists finally discovered what's wrong with the female brain: On the left side, there is nothing right, and on the right side, there's nothing left. [http://eu.battle.net/sc2/en/profile/213948/1/DJVibrejtr/]
Jaeger
Profile Joined December 2009
United States1150 Posts
February 23 2011 00:42 GMT
#6
Should add that since chrono boost requires 25 energy and lasts 20 seconds and a Nexus regenerates energy at 0.5625 energy per second having 2 nexus almost allow you to chrono one building constantly.
https://www.dotabuff.com/players/8137911
avilo
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States4100 Posts
February 23 2011 00:46 GMT
#7
good stuff, and holy shiot...saving 25 sec on collosus is pretty insane...-_-
Sup
Rantech
Profile Joined April 2010
Chile527 Posts
February 23 2011 00:50 GMT
#8
Very useful information here, nice work, i was trying to find something like this. Thx.
Beefwipe
Profile Joined October 2010
United Kingdom56 Posts
February 23 2011 01:27 GMT
#9
My common misconception was that chrono boosted things by 20% for 50 seconds :')

Obviously I know it doesn't but sometimes I think this for some reason!
Indrium
Profile Joined November 2010
United States2236 Posts
February 23 2011 01:31 GMT
#10
Excellent info to anyone who isn't as nerdy as me and actually crunched this out!

I really didn't think about posting it. You are a superior human, Volka.
Manifesto7
Profile Blog Joined November 2002
Osaka27172 Posts
February 23 2011 01:33 GMT
#11
Moved to strategy, and also put into the spotlight.
ModeratorGodfather
Jumbled
Profile Joined September 2010
1543 Posts
February 23 2011 01:38 GMT
#12
Good idea to put it all in a single simple post. These are all basic facts that everyone should know about chronoboost, but sadly a lot of people don't.
Jombozeus
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
China1014 Posts
February 23 2011 01:38 GMT
#13
On February 23 2011 09:42 Sek-Kuar wrote:
I wouldnt call it simple unless you have some sort of math Ph.D. - imo its really complicated way to "explain" quite simple thing.


But whatever, some ppl might like, but you are missing one thing:
Nexus regenerate 25 ene in roughly 45 sec (45*0,5625= ~25), so using energy from single nexus you can boost something by 50% for 20 seconds every 45 sec, so one nexus is capable of boosting something by 22% in total using constant chrono boost (50%*20/45) if no energy was saved.


This means that when you have only one Nexus and with no energy saved, if you start CB something you can reduce build/research time to ~82% of original.


I appreciate the OP but... You really dont need a math Ph.D. for this :S
Eeeegor
Profile Joined April 2005
Australia809 Posts
February 23 2011 01:40 GMT
#14
Great post - nice and simple.
Day9 Made Me Do It
Manifesto7
Profile Blog Joined November 2002
Osaka27172 Posts
February 23 2011 01:40 GMT
#15
This is a good chance for someone to ease into liquipedia too.
ModeratorGodfather
Apolo
Profile Joined May 2010
Portugal1259 Posts
February 23 2011 01:49 GMT
#16
On February 23 2011 09:26 GenesisX wrote:
Good, simple post. I think the main misconception people have is that they think that Cboost helps production by 100%, when its actually 50%. I know I did, lol.


Yup. And also that P can't get anything 50% faster, just 33%. That is, constantly using saved chronoboost, they can only have 13 units instead of 10, or in other words, have those 10 units 33% of the time to produce them earlier. At this light now, doesn't seem that good at all when comparing to what mules can do
`Zapdos
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
United States935 Posts
February 23 2011 01:49 GMT
#17
On February 23 2011 10:40 Manifesto7 wrote:
This is a good chance for someone to ease into liquipedia too.


I think mani needs help.. He's got spotlight fever!
www.twitch.tv/thezapdos come watch me :]
Zips
Profile Joined August 2010
United States146 Posts
February 23 2011 01:51 GMT
#18
Hrm, you should add this to liquipedia
Munk-E
Profile Blog Joined July 2010
United States672 Posts
Last Edited: 2011-02-23 02:18:59
February 23 2011 01:58 GMT
#19
no offense, but you kind posted the same formula like 5 times.
i mean you said chrono boost divides speed by 1.5
and then you pointed out 1-(1/1.5)=.33333
and then you posted like 5 variations of this formula and applied it to a few units.
not really impressive.

you just used variables and then said what they are for, and ended up just stating what is already known.

((20*(1.5-1))=10, You need to divide the build time by 20 to find out how many times you should use something that takes 20 seconds.)

But hey, you made it look impressive enough to get spotlighted, so congrats!
You recognise me because of my signature!
Torpedo.Vegas
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
United States1890 Posts
February 23 2011 01:59 GMT
#20
On February 23 2011 09:42 Sek-Kuar wrote:
I wouldnt call it simple unless you have some sort of math Ph.D. - imo its really complicated way to "explain" quite simple thing.


But whatever, some ppl might like, but you are missing one thing:
Nexus regenerate 25 ene in roughly 45 sec (45*0,5625= ~25), so using energy from single nexus you can boost something by 50% for 20 seconds every 45 sec, so one nexus is capable of boosting something by 22% in total using constant chrono boost (50%*20/45) if no energy was saved.


This means that when you have only one Nexus and with no energy saved, if you start CB something you can reduce build/research time to ~82% of original.


I definitely think the OP (which is already good) could be enhanced by factoring in "N" number nexuses and their respective energy regeneration rates. It would take this otherwise abstract information and place it into a more practical scenario.

Taken even one step further, one could conceivably apply this to specific early build orders and by factoring together the OP, Build Times, Mining Times, and Energy Regen rates, create some sort of Chronoboost optimization program or guide. As of now a lot of high level players figure this out via trial and error as well as intuition. But having a formal mathematical template to experiment on with the only subjective limit being APM could be a very beneficial tool for Protoss Players of all skill levels.

This is a good start.
1 2 3 4 5 6 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
OSC
00:00
OSC Elite Rising Star #18
CranKy Ducklings19
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
PiGStarcraft297
ViBE167
SpeCial 122
JuggernautJason43
CosmosSc2 40
PattyMac 15
StarCraft: Brood War
GuemChi 4591
Artosis 658
Shuttle 92
NaDa 16
LancerX 13
Dota 2
canceldota223
League of Legends
Cuddl3bear1
Super Smash Bros
PPMD75
Other Games
summit1g8359
tarik_tv5014
shahzam312
C9.Mang0277
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1029
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 20 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 87
• RyuSc2 59
• musti20045 29
• davetesta10
• Response 7
• CranKy Ducklings SOOP4
• sooper7s
• Migwel
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• IndyKCrew
• Kozan
• intothetv
• AfreecaTV YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
• RayReign 12
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Dota 2
• masondota21882
League of Legends
• Stunt101
Other Games
• imaqtpie658
Upcoming Events
RSL Revival
9h 46m
TriGGeR vs Cure
ByuN vs Rogue
Big Brain Bouts
15h 46m
Replay Cast
23h 46m
RSL Revival
1d 9h
Maru vs MaxPax
BSL
1d 18h
RSL Revival
2 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
BSL
2 days
Afreeca Starleague
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
[ Show More ]
Sparkling Tuna Cup
4 days
The PondCast
6 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

CSL Season 20: Qualifier 1
WardiTV Winter 2026
NationLESS Cup

Ongoing

BSL Season 22
CSL Elite League 2026
ASL Season 21
CSL Season 20: Qualifier 2
Escore Tournament S2: W1
StarCraft2 Community Team League 2026 Spring
RSL Revival: Season 4
Nations Cup 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League S23 Finals
ESL Pro League S23 Stage 1&2
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual

Upcoming

CSL 2026 SPRING (S20)
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
BSL 22 Non-Korean Championship
CSLAN 4
Kung Fu Cup 2026 Grand Finals
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
IEM Cologne Major 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 2
CS Asia Championships 2026
IEM Atlanta 2026
Asian Champions League 2026
PGL Astana 2026
BLAST Rivals Spring 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.