There are three main types of multipliers used within input-output models. Since the scale of input-output scenarios often varies in geographic size as well as in time frame, these multipliers are created to apply accordingly.

Type 1: Shows industry to industry transactions, but doesn’t use induced effect. Best for large scale instances, such as dealing with the nation as a whole or broad areas of the US that are mostly self-sufficient.

Type 2: Type 1 model + household spending. Best used for state and smaller regions when looking at shorter term scenarios that are not likely to factor in amortized investment and government.

Type Lightcast (featured in Lightcast tools): Type 2 model + additional amortized investment and government spending. Best used for long-term regional scenarios.