> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://argon-protocol.gitbook.io/argon-protocol/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://argon-protocol.gitbook.io/argon-protocol/trading/funding-fee.md).

# Funding Fee

Funding rate is the key to maintain the perpetual contract price in balance with the spot price. The underlying principle is: when the contract price is higher than the index price, long position holders compensate short position holders; conversely, when the contract price is lower than the index price, short position holders compensate long position holders.

Based on the pricing mechanism in the previous section: when the LPs hold short position, long position holders compensate short position holders; conversely, when the LPs hold long position, short position holders compensate long position holders.

The Funding Rate is calculated and charged/paid in real time, and the specific calculation formula is:

<figure><img src="https://3368484702-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdPd8AEg2d8S5oTFrdTEm%2Fuploads%2FM6M9PxCX6WloATsopC50%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=548a204c-3e80-4e88-914f-c30a20b82e67" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>