> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://lobstr.crisp.help/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How is the number of slots computed?

Have you noticed the slot number on the lobstr.io app home page and wondered what it means?

![Screenshot of lobstr.io home page showing slot number](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/f3f3be820b67c800/capture-decran-2024-12-03-a-15_1pje5wr.png)

In this help article, we'll cover:

* **What is a slot?**
* **How is the total number of slots computed?**

## What is a slot?

When you access [your list of Squids on lobstr.io](https://lobstr.io/dashboard/squids), you'll see:

* A list of your Squids
* The number of slots associated with each Squid

![Screenshot showing list of Squids and their slots](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/f3f3be820b67c800/capture-decran-2024-12-03-a-17_nuqgp3.png)

But why do some Squids have **more than one slot**?

This is related to the `slots` setting, which you can adjust in the **Settings** section of each Squid.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/f3f3be820b67c800/capture-decran-2025-01-21-a-19_51d5tq.png)

The number of slots per Squid is the value of the slots setting for that Squid.

The `slots` setting determines the number of scrapers that will be launched __simultaneously__ to process your tasks. Increasing the slots count boosts speed by spawning multiple scrapers at once, with each scraper tackling one task from your bucket of tasks.

## How is the total number of slots computed?

The total number of slots is **the sum of the slots of all your Squids**.

For example, suppose you have 5 Squids:

* **Squid A** with **1 slot**
* **Squid B** with **4 slots**
* **Squid C** with **1 slot**
* **Squid D** with **1 slot**
* **Squid E** with **4** **slots**

Your total number of slots is **11 slots** (1 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 4).

![Screenshot showing total slots computation](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/f3f3be820b67c800/capture-decran-2024-12-03-a-15_n9x48h.png)

## How do I temporarily reduce my number of used slots?

If you notice you're approaching your slot limit or simply want to free up some slots for other tasks, you can temporarily **deactivate** Squids you're not currently using. 

Deactivating a Squid will immediately reduce your total slots count by the number of slots associated with that Squid.

Here’s how it works:

**First**, let's say your current total slots count is **10 out of 10**.

![Screenshot showing current slots count as 10](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/3/f/3/f3f3be820b67c800/capture-decran-2025-06-30-a-14_ysn61g.png)

Navigate to your Squids dashboard and select the Squid you wish to deactivate. Click on button `Change Status to > Inactive` to **deactivate** your squid.

After deactivating, your slot count will immediately update. If the Squid you deactivated used 1 slot, your new total slot count will be **9**.

![Gif showing how to deactivate a squid and the impact on slots count](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/3/f/3/f3f3be820b67c800/home-lobstrio-30-june-2025-1_1x8r9r1.gif)

You can always reactivate Squids as needed, and your slots count will adjust accordingly.