> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Source Quota Calculation Types

> Choose between Completes, Survey Starts, and Hybrid calculation types for source quotas.

Research Desk offers three **Calculation Types** at the source level. The type you select controls how quota progress is measured and how tightly traffic is throttled.

## Completes

When the Calculation Type is **Completes**, quotas are measured and controlled by the number of completes registered to each quota.

**Pros:** Low maintenance; reaches desired complete counts with less manual intervention.

**Cons:** May occasionally overfill quotas if many entrants arrive at once — common on high-IR, short surveys that panels favor.

Use Completes when some overfill tolerance is acceptable. For studies sensitive to overfill, use **Survey Starts** or **Hybrid**.

## Survey Starts

When the Calculation Type is **Survey Starts**, quotas are measured and controlled by client-side survey starts.

**Pros:** Guarantees a specific number of respondents are sent to your survey.

**Cons:** Does not guarantee the target number of completes. You may fall short and need to increment targets gradually.

Use Survey Starts for soft launches on high-IR studies or when you need tight control over how many respondents enter the survey.

## Hybrid

When the Calculation Type is **Hybrid**, quotas are **defined** as complete targets but **converted** to start targets on the back end. You manage the study in completes; supply partners receive start-based caps for a softer landing that helps prevent overfill.

**Pros:** Balances complete-based planning with start-based throttling.

**Cons:** Access is granted on a case-by-case basis. Contact your Rep Data representative to enable Hybrid for a source.

## Choosing a type

| Scenario                                          | Recommended type                       |
| ------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Standard fieldwork with moderate IR               | Completes                              |
| Soft launch on high-IR study                      | Survey Starts                          |
| Quota-sensitive study needing overfill protection | Hybrid (if available) or Survey Starts |

## Related guides

* [Configuring Sources](/research-desk/guides/03-configuring-sources)
* [Best Practices](/research-desk/guides/08-best-practices)
* [Managing Fieldwork](/research-desk/guides/05-managing-fieldwork)