---
title: Templeton Ratio
slug: templeton-ratio
url: https://templeton.host/lexicon/templeton-ratio/
type: defined-term
inDefinedTermSet: https://templeton.host/lexicon
author: Andrew Templeton
---

# Templeton Ratio

## Definition

T = time_to_do / time_to_check. The ratio of generation difficulty to verification difficulty for any task. Determines whether AI automation creates leverage or doubles the work.

## Why this term exists

Most AI pilots fail not because the AI is bad, but because nobody measured how hard it is to check the output. T = 1 means you are doing the work twice.

## See also

- [Verification Quadrant](https://templeton.host/tools/verification-quadrant)
- [Verification Trap](https://templeton.host/lexicon/verification-trap)
- [AI Sweet Spot](https://templeton.host/lexicon/ai-sweet-spot)
- [Proof Layer](https://templeton.host/lexicon/proof-layer)

Canonical URL: https://templeton.host/lexicon/templeton-ratio/