> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.loadium.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.loadium.com/test-settings/multi-step-1.md).

# Multi-Step

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_uXT7xixM0>" %}

You can create a 'gradually increasing load' configuration during test creation with the Multi-Step option in the Test Configuration section in the test Create / Edit page.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Loadium uses the Linear Load Type by default. If you want to increase the load gradually in predefined stages instead of a continuous linear ramp-up, select Multi-Step in the Configuration section.
{% endhint %}

Let's take a look at the following example:

To reach 5000 users by increasing the load by 1000 users every 2 minutes, configure five load steps using the Multi-Step option. In this scenario, the test will ramp up to 1000 users within 30 seconds and maintain that load for 2 minutes. Then, an additional 1000 users will be added over the next 30 seconds, bringing the total to 2000 users, which will again be maintained for 2 minutes. This process will be repeated until the load reaches 5000 concurrent users.

Each load stage can be configured individually by clicking the ***Add Step*** button and defining the target user count, ramp-up duration, and hold time for that step.

<figure><img src="https://33973752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MUOy4kHWrKkuqX5mhH7%2Fuploads%2F9kRTkDzFhEp1cDemi4Th%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=51642a30-025e-436d-91ae-9c6a8d7c4fd6" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Enter the target number of virtual users in the "Target VU" field, specify the duration (in seconds) for ramping up to this load in the "Ramp-up" field, and define how long (in minutes) the load should be sustained in the "Hold" field.

{% hint style="info" %}
The time entered in the "Hold" field includes the "Ramp-up" time.
{% endhint %}

We add 5 steps to simulate the scenario in our example.

{% hint style="info" %}
The value entered in the "Target VU" field represents the maximum number of users at that point in the test; it does not indicate the amount of increase.

In this example, the maximum load we will apply to the system at the end of step 5 will be 5000.
{% endhint %}

If you want to increase the number of steps, you can add steps by clicking the "Add Step" button.

## Things To Pay Attention

{% hint style="warning" %}
The Debug feature cannot be used for Multi-Step tests.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
The test time is the sum of the Hold times.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
For VUH usage accounts, the amount of VUH deducted from your account after the test is calculated based on the Target VU in the last step you added and the sum of the Hold times.
{% endhint %}