> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/resolution/oracles.md).

# Oracles

Polymarket uses oracles as part of its resolution and market-data systems.

### What is an oracle?

An oracle is a trusted source that provides the outcome of real-world events or data such as prices and reported numbers.

### Why does Polymarket use oracles?

Polymarket cannot access real-world information on its own. Oracles provide external data such as event outcomes and asset prices for use onchain.

<figure><img src="/files/qHqPxsFJUeT8mJDUvx9G" alt=""><figcaption><p><a href="https://docs.uma.xyz/">UMA's Optimistic Oracle</a> connects real-world information to onchain applications.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Which oracles does Polymarket use?

Polymarket uses several oracle and resolution systems, including the **Markets Team**, **UMA**, **Chainlink**, and **Pyth Network**.

### Markets Team

Polymarket has a **Markets Team** responsible for creating markets, writing rulesets, and resolving certain markets.

### UMA

UMA (Universal Market Access) is an optimistic oracle used for event-based markets where outcomes may require human interpretation or verification.

#### How does UMA work?

UMA uses a three-step process:

* **Proposers** submit an answer to the market question.
* **Disputers** can challenge the answer if they believe it is incorrect.
* **Voters** make the final decision if a dispute occurs.

This creates a system in which incorrect proposals can be challenged and corrected.

#### How does Polymarket use UMA?

Polymarket uses UMA to resolve certain event-based markets that are not handled through automated oracle feeds.

*Example*: *Presidential Election Winner 2028*

### Chainlink

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network used by Polymarket for automated crypto price resolution.

#### How does Chainlink work?

Chainlink collects data, such as asset prices, from multiple independent providers. It aggregates and delivers that data onchain in a timestamped and verifiable form, reducing the risk of errors or manipulation.

#### How does Polymarket use Chainlink?

Polymarket uses Chainlink to automatically resolve certain crypto price markets.

*Example*: *BTC Up or Down 5m*

### Pyth Network

Pyth Network provides traditional financial market data used by Polymarket for assets such as stocks, indices, gold, and silver.

#### How does Pyth work?

Pyth collects price data from exchanges, trading firms, and other market participants and combines it into real-time price feeds.

#### How does Polymarket use Pyth?

Polymarket uses Pyth Pro to provide institutional-grade pricing data for traditional assets such as stocks, indices, gold, and silver. This data may also serve as a resolution source for markets resolved through UMA.

*Example*: *What will Gold (GC) hit\_\_ by end of December?*

### Polymarket US vs. Polymarket International

On **Polymarket US**, the Markets Team is responsible for resolving markets by determining whether the resolution criteria have been satisfied.

On **Polymarket International**, the Markets Team may provide clarifications, while markets using UMA are resolved through the **UMA Oracle**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Going forward, this section focuses on **UMA-based resolution**. "The oracle" refers to UMA unless otherwise noted.
{% endhint %}