# Deriving the Reddit Formula

DevFeed: [Deriving the Reddit Formula](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/deriving-the-reddit-formula-37888.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.evanmiller.org/deriving-the-reddit-formula.html>)

Author: Evan Miller

Published: 2015-07-14T15:15:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Evan Miller](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/evan-miller.md>)

Topics: [Reddit](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/reddit.md>), [math](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/math.md>), [Users](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/users.md>)

Tags: [analysis](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/analysis.md>), [expression](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/expression.md>), [lambda](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/lambda.md>), [math](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/math.md>), [reddit](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/reddit.md>), [theory](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/theory.md>)

## AI overview

Evan Miller derives a Reddit "hot" formula using expected-utility theory. The analysis explains the formula's constants, logarithm, absolute value, and lack of current time, estimates optimization for users who visit every 5.43 hours, and proposes a caveated amendment.

## Source excerpt

Deriving the Reddit Formula -- What can expected-utility theory tell us about Reddit's "hot" formula?