arXiv:2606.12883cs.AI2026-06

重新定义LoRA的缩放因子,显著提升训练效果

The Hidden Power of Scaling Factor in LoRA Optimization

论文配图:The Hidden Power of Scaling Factor in LoRA Optimization
图 1 · 摘自论文原文
  • 发现缩放因子α主导优化,比学习率更关键
  • α可加速收敛且不增加梯度漂移,提升任务信号
  • 提出LoRA-α框架,兼容小学习率,简化调参

在低秩适应(LoRA)中,缩放因子α常被视为学习率的辅助参数,但其优化作用尚不明确。本文通过大量实验与信号漂移理论框架揭示:第一,LoRA的谱抑制平滑了优化轨迹,导致标准超参数过于保守,产生优化差距;第二,利用此平滑性加速收敛时,α能放大任务信号而不增加漂移比,优于学习率调整;第三,最优缩放因子与秩呈平方根关系,且系数远大于现有经验法则,表明现有秩绑定策略存在严重低估。基于此,提出最小化框架LoRA-α,使α回归理论合理区间,兼容标准小学习率。跨多种任务的实验证明,LoRA-α持续提升性能,同时简化超参数搜索,充分释放LoRA的学习潜力。

原文摘要 · Abstract (English)

In Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA), the scaling factor $α$ is often treated as a mere complement to the learning rate, yet its role in optimization remains poorly understood. In this paper, we reveal that the scaling factor $α$ and the learning rate function differently, with $α$ emerging as the dominant driver of effective optimization, delivering gains that cannot be replicated by learning rate scaling alone. Through the synergy of extensive empirical analysis and a theoretical Signal-Drift framework, we uncover three findings into LoRA's scaling mechanism: First, LoRA's spectral suppression smooths the optimization landscape, rendering standard hyperparameters overly conservative and creating an optimization gap. Second, when leveraging this smoothness to accelerate convergence, $α$ outperforms the learning rate by amplifying the task signal without increasing the drift ratio. Third, the optimal scaling factor follows a sublinear relationship with the rank, well characterized by a square-root law with an unexpectedly large coefficient, revealing the insufficient scaling of existing rank-tied heuristics. Based on these insights, we propose LoRA-$α$, a minimalist framework that restores $α$ to its principled regime, making LoRA compatible with standard small learning rates. Extensive evaluations across diverse tasks demonstrate that LoRA-$α$ consistently improves performance while streamlining hyperparameter search, unleashing the learning potential of LoRA.

LoRA优化方法超参调优

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