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Research field guide

Why TVL can rise without new deposits

USD-denominated total value locked depends on both token quantities and their prices. A percentage TVL change is not automatically a net-inflow percentage.

A worked distinction

If a pool holds 100 tokens valued at 20 USD, its value is 2,000 USD. The same quantity at 25 USD is 2,500 USD: TVL rises 25% without any deposit. Token balances, valuation dates and protocol coverage are needed to decompose the movement.

What to verify in your own analysis

Separate price effects, added assets, withdrawals and reporting changes. Compare the same protocol identifier rather than joining display names.

Write down the market or protocol identifier, units, observation window and data source before comparing outputs. Keep unavailable values distinct from zero. Capture a baseline and change one assumption at a time so the resulting difference can be explained.

Use the linked working tools

Open the related tools below to inspect actual public observations or calculate a local scenario. The numerical example above is illustrative, not a current quote. Export the result together with its assumptions if you need a reproducible research record.

The review checklist records what you checked in this tab. Completion measures your own notes, not whether an investment is safe, suitable or profitable.

Primary documentation

Research review record

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