> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.illuvium.io/staking-v2/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.illuvium.io/staking-v2/user-guides/about-illuvium-staking/what-is-variable-locking.md).

# What is variable locking?

In the core pools, you can lock your tokens for a period between 1 and 12 months. This changes your token weight. By increasing the duration of your lock, you will increase the token weight of the locked tokens. The maximum weight of a locked token is 2 , which occurs when you lock for a period of 12 months.