> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ideamarket.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ideamarket.io/contracts/bonding-curve.md).

# Bonding curve

A bonding curve is a smart contract that automatically mints and un-mints tokens according to predefined rules.

Ideamarket's bonding curve mints new tokens while maintaining a constant relationship between circulating supply and price. The first 1000 tokens for any listing cost $0.10 each, and the price increases by $0.01 per 100 new tokens after that.

While token supply is infinite in theory, the bonding curve ensures the price maintains a constant relationship to circulating supply.

Our bonding curve achieves a few important goals:

1. Provides liquidity. The bonding curve always has more tokens for sale, and will always "buy back" the tokens you sell at their current price.
2. Provides a level playing field. The bonding curve specifications are the same for all tokens on Ideamarket. 
3. Prevents short-selling. Given that price is a function of circulating supply, short-selling cannot affect the price, because short-selling can't artificially reduce circulating supply.

Below is a document describing the bonding curve math as used by Ideamarket in detail:

{% file src="/files/-MPd4scxMt8XHGz6z3Rh" %}
Bonding Curve Math
{% endfile %}