diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index ddcd47d..46d42b6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -78,13 +78,19 @@ It is possible for the number of users with access to temporarily exceed the `Ca
 
 Configuration is set in `appsettings.json` or via environment variables. The main configuration section is `AccessQueue`:
 
-- **CapacityLimit**: The maximum number of users that can have access at the same time (default: 100).
-- **ActivitySeconds**: How long (in seconds) a user can remain active before being considered inactive (default: 900).
-- **ExpirationSeconds**: How long (in seconds) before an access ticket expires (default: 43200).
-- **RollingExpiration**: If true, the expiration timer resets on activity (default: true).
-- **CleanupIntervalSeconds**: How often (in seconds) the background cleanup runs to remove expired/inactive users (default: 60).
-- **BackupFilePath**: The file path where the access queue state will be periodically saved (no default; optional).
-- **BackupIntervalSeconds**: How often (in seconds) the state is backed up to disk (no default; optional).
+**Required variables:**
+
+- **CapacityLimit**: The maximum number of users that can have access at the same time.
+- **ActivitySeconds**: How long (in seconds) a user can remain active before being considered inactive.
+- **ExpirationSeconds**: How long (in seconds) before an access ticket expires.
+- **RollingExpiration**: If true, the expiration timer resets on activity.
+- **CleanupIntervalSeconds**: How often (in seconds) the background cleanup runs to remove expired/inactive users.
+
+**Optional variables:**
+
+- **BackupFilePath**: The file path where the access queue state will be periodically saved.
+- **BackupIntervalSeconds**: How often (in seconds) the state is backed up to disk.
+- **CacheMilliseconds**: How long (in milliseconds) to cache the active user count before recalculating. Lower values mean more frequent recalculation (more accurate, higher CPU usage). Higher values improve performance but may cause a slight delay in recognizing open spots.
 
 Example `appsettings.json`:
 ```json
@@ -94,7 +100,8 @@ Example `appsettings.json`:
     "ActivitySeconds": 900,
     "ExpirationSeconds": 43200,
     "RollingExpiration": true,
-    "CleanupIntervalSeconds": 60
+    "CleanupIntervalSeconds": 60,
+    "CacheMilliseconds": 1000
   }
 }
 ```