Runescape Smithing Calculator

Smithing Optimizer

Select an item you want to smith, input the quantity, and see your estimated experience, gold cost, and time. Adjust settings for a more personalized calculation.

Smithing XP & Profit Table

Item	Tier	XP Per Item	Bars Per Item	Cost Per Item (Bars Only)	Profit/Loss Per Item (Excl. Bars)	Total XP	Total Bars	Total Cost (Bars Only)	Total Profit/Loss	Estimated Time (Mins)
N/A	N/A	0	0	0 GP	0 GP	0	0	0 GP	0 GP	0.0

Detailed breakdown for the selected item and quantity. Scroll horizontally on smaller screens.

XP vs. Cost Progression

What is the Runescape Smithing Calculator?

The Runescape Smithing calculator is an indispensable tool for any adventurer looking to optimize their crafting progression in the world of Gielinor. It allows players to meticulously plan their Smithing training, from the earliest levels to the most advanced tiers. By inputting details about the items you intend to smith, the quantity, your current skill level, and the fluctuating market prices of raw materials (smithing bars), this calculator provides crucial insights into the experience points (XP) you’ll gain, the total gold cost involved, and the estimated time required to complete your smithing goals. It’s designed to help you make informed decisions, maximize your efficiency, and potentially turn a profit while leveling one of Runescape’s core production skills.

Who should use it?
This calculator is for everyone playing Runescape, especially those focusing on the Smithing skill. Whether you’re a brand new player aiming for your first 99, an Ironman seeking efficient resource management, or an established player looking to maximize profit and minimize cost during training, this tool is beneficial. It’s particularly useful for understanding the financial implications and time investment required for different smithing methods and tiers.

Common Misconceptions:
A frequent misconception is that all smithing is a gold sink. While many methods do cost money, strategic choices based on market prices and item profitability (like smithing platebodies or certain high-tier items) can actually yield profit. Another misconception is that Smithing is a slow skill; with the right planning and tools like this calculator, it can be one of the fastest skills to train. The calculator helps debunk these by showing concrete numbers.

Runescape Smithing Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The core of the Runescape Smithing calculator relies on several interconnected formulas to provide accurate estimations. These formulas are derived from the game’s mechanics regarding experience, material requirements, and time-based actions.

Experience Calculation:

Experience gained per item is primarily determined by the item’s type and the tier of metal used. The base XP for an item is fixed. For example, smithing a Rune Platebody grants a specific amount of XP. However, the calculator also incorporates the effect of the player’s current Smithing level. While levels primarily unlock higher-tier items, they don’t directly increase XP per item in most cases in Runescape 3 or Old School Runescape. The formula used here simplifies this, assuming a base XP value for each item/tier combination.

XP_per_Item = Base_XP(Item_Type, Tier)

Total_XP = XP_per_Item * Quantity

Material Requirements:

Each item requires a specific number of smithing bars. This number depends on the item type and tier. For instance, a Rune Platebody requires 5 Rune bars, while a Rune Longsword requires only 2.

Bars_per_Item = Required_Bars(Item_Type, Tier)

Total_Bars = Bars_per_Item * Quantity

Cost and Profit Calculation:

The cost is calculated based on the total bars needed and the price per bar. Any additional profit or loss associated with the finished item (e.g., from selling to a specific NPC, alching, or using in another process) is then factored in.

Cost_of_Bars = Total_Bars * Cost_per_Bar

Total_Item_Profit_Loss = Profit_per_Item * Quantity

Total_Cost = Cost_of_Bars + (Total_Item_Profit_Loss * -1) (Note: If Profit_per_Item is positive, it reduces the cost; if negative, it increases the cost.)

Total_Profit_Loss = (Profit_per_Item - (Cost_per_Bar * Bars_per_Item)) * Quantity

Time Estimation:

Time is calculated based on the number of items to smith, the player’s smithing speed (items per game tick), and the number of game ticks in a minute. A standard game tick is 0.6 seconds, meaning there are 10 ticks per minute in Old School Runescape, or 50 ticks per minute in Runescape 3. This calculator uses 50 ticks/minute, reflecting RS3’s pace, but can be adjusted if using specific RS3 mechanics or assuming different tick rates.

Ticks_per_Minute = 50

Total_Ticks = (Quantity * Bars_per_Item) / Smithing_Speed (Assuming speed is items per tick and each bar counts as an ‘item’ action)

Estimated_Time_Minutes = Total_Ticks / Ticks_per_Minute

Note: This time estimation can be simplified if the ‘Smithing Speed’ directly represents items per minute or if focusing on total actions rather than game ticks. The current implementation assumes actions per tick. For simplicity in this calculator, we’ll adjust based on items processed per minute directly if speed is given per tick. A common simplification is: Items per minute = Smithing_Speed (items/tick) * 50 (ticks/min). Then Total Time = Quantity / Items per minute. The current implementation uses a direct calculation from items/tick.

Variables Table:

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Item Type	The specific weapon, armor, or item being smithed.	Categorical	Platebody, Longsword, etc.
Item Tier	The metal used for smithing (e.g., Bronze, Iron, Rune).	Categorical	Bronze to Celestial/Crystal
Quantity	Number of items to smith.	Count	1 – Millions
Current Smithing Level	Player’s Smithing skill level.	Level	1 – 99
Smithing Speed	Efficiency of smithing actions per game tick.	Items/Tick	0.1 – 1.4 (Varies by method/gear)
Cost Per Bar	Market price of a single smithing bar.	Gold (GP)	0 – 10,000+
Profit/Loss Per Item (Excl. Bars)	Additional profit or loss from the finished item itself.	Gold (GP)	-1,000,000 – 1,000,000+
Base XP Per Item	Experience gained for successfully smithing one unit of an item.	Experience (XP)	Varies by item/tier (e.g., 50 – 300+)
Bars Per Item	Number of bars required to craft one item.	Count	1 – 5
Total XP	Total experience points gained for the entire quantity.	Experience (XP)	Calculated
Total Bars	Total number of bars consumed.	Count	Calculated
Total Cost	Net gold cost after factoring in bar prices and item profit/loss.	Gold (GP)	Calculated
Total Profit/Loss	Net profit or loss from the entire smithing operation.	Gold (GP)	Calculated
Estimated Time	Time required to smith the specified quantity.	Minutes	Calculated

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Training Rune Platebodies

A player wants to train their Smithing level from 80 to 90 by smithing Rune Platebodies. They check the Grand Exchange and find Rune Bars cost 6,500 GP each. They plan to smith 500 Rune Platebodies. Their current Smithing Speed is decent at 1.0 items per tick. They don’t expect direct profit/loss from selling the platebodies, so that value is 0 GP.

• Inputs:
• Item Type: Platebody
• Item Tier: Rune
• Quantity: 500
• Current Smithing Level: 80
• Smithing Speed: 1.0 items/tick
• Cost Per Bar: 6,500 GP
• Profit/Loss Per Item: 0 GP

Calculated Results:

• Primary Result: Total XP: ~1,147,500 XP
• Intermediate Values:
• Total Bars Used: 2,500
• Total Gold Cost: 16,250,000 GP
• Estimated Time: ~138.9 Mins

Financial Interpretation: This player will spend over 16 million GP to gain approximately 1.15 million Smithing XP. This is a significant investment, highlighting why understanding bar costs is crucial. They might consider alternative items or materials if seeking more cost-effective training.

Example 2: Profitable Steel Longswords

An Ironman player decides to try smithing Steel Longswords for potential profit and Smithing XP. They have a large supply of Steel Bars and estimate their cost at 200 GP per bar. They notice that selling Steel Longswords to a specific NPC vendor yields 150 GP profit per item (after accounting for the bar cost which is handled separately in the calculator). They want to smith 1,000 Steel Longswords. Their Smithing speed is average at 0.8 items/tick.

• Inputs:
• Item Type: Longsword
• Item Tier: Steel
• Quantity: 1000
• Current Smithing Level: 50
• Smithing Speed: 0.8 items/tick
• Cost Per Bar: 200 GP
• Profit/Loss Per Item: 150 GP

Calculated Results:

• Primary Result: Total XP: 180,000 XP
• Intermediate Values:
• Total Bars Used: 2,000
• Total Gold Cost: -200,000 GP (meaning a profit of 200,000 GP)
• Estimated Time: ~416.7 Mins

Financial Interpretation: In this scenario, the player makes a substantial profit of 200,000 GP while gaining 180,000 Smithing XP. This demonstrates that not all smithing is a loss; strategic choices based on item profitability can be highly rewarding, although it takes a considerable amount of time. This is a common method for lower-level players to gain some GP while training.

How to Use This Runescape Smithing Calculator

Mastering the Runescape Smithing calculator is straightforward and will significantly enhance your training efficiency. Follow these simple steps:

1. Select Item Type and Tier: Use the dropdown menus to choose the specific item you intend to smith (e.g., ‘Platebody’) and its corresponding metal tier (e.g., ‘Rune’). The calculator has pre-set data for common items.
2. Input Quantity: Enter the total number of items you plan to create. This could be for a specific XP goal (e.g., reaching level 99) or a target number of items.
3. Enter Current Smithing Level: Input your current Smithing skill level. While this calculator’s primary XP calculations are based on item data, your level dictates which items you can unlock and smith.
4. Specify Smithing Speed: This is crucial for time calculation. Input your estimated smithing speed in items per game tick. Higher speeds indicate more efficient methods, potentially using specific gear or techniques. A value of 1.0 is standard for many actions.
5. Input Bar Cost: Determine the current Grand Exchange price (or your cost if gathering yourself) for one bar of the selected tier and enter it. This value fluctuates, so check the GE for accuracy.
6. Adjust Profit/Loss Per Item: If you gain or lose money from the finished item itself (e.g., selling to an NPC, alching, using a special process), enter that net value here. If you only care about the raw bar cost, leave this at 0.
7. View Results: Once your inputs are set, the calculator will instantly update.
   • Primary Result (Total XP): The large, highlighted number shows the total experience you’ll gain.
   • Intermediate Values: These provide key metrics like Total Bars Used, Total Gold Cost (or Profit), and Estimated Time.
   • Table and Chart: The table gives a detailed per-item breakdown, and the chart visualizes the progression.
8. Use the Buttons:
   • Copy Results: Click this to copy all calculated data (main result, intermediates, assumptions) to your clipboard for easy sharing or note-taking.
   • Reset Defaults: Click this to revert all input fields to their sensible default values.

Decision-Making Guidance: Use the results to compare different smithing methods. For example, compare the XP/hour and GP/hour of Rune Platebodies versus Rune 2H Swords. If minimizing cost is your goal, look for items with high profit margins. If maximizing XP is paramount, prioritize items with the highest XP rates, even if they cost more. The time estimate helps you gauge the commitment needed for your goals.

Key Factors That Affect Runescape Smithing Results

Several factors significantly influence the outcomes of your Runescape Smithing calculator predictions and your actual in-game experience. Understanding these is key to effective planning:

• Market Prices of Bars: This is arguably the most volatile factor. The Grand Exchange prices for all smithing bars (Bronze to higher tiers) fluctuate based on supply and demand. A higher bar cost directly increases your overall GP expenditure, potentially turning a profitable method into a costly one. Always check current prices before large-scale training.
• Profit/Loss on Finished Items: Some items can be sold to specific NPC vendors, alched for runes, or used in other profitable ways. If the selling price or alch value (minus rune costs) exceeds the cost of the bars *and* any additional materials, you achieve profit. Conversely, if it’s less, you incur a loss beyond the bar cost. This can dramatically shift the net cost/profitability.
• Smithing Speed and Efficiency: This directly impacts the time it takes. Faster methods involve higher action per minute rates, often achieved through specific gear (e.g., Adamant/Rune gauntlets), efficient bank methods (e.g., portable forges), or quicker item creation processes. The calculator’s time estimate is only as accurate as the speed input.
• XP Rates of Different Items: Not all items of the same tier provide the same XP. Generally, heavier armor pieces (like Platebodies) offer more XP per bar than lighter items (like Scimitars or Longswords). Choosing higher XP-per-item options is crucial for faster leveling, provided they are financially viable.
• Your Current Smithing Level: While levels don’t typically boost XP rates directly, they are essential gatekeepers. You cannot smith higher-tier items until you reach specific levels. This calculator assumes you can access the chosen item/tier. Planning requires knowledge of unlock levels.
• Bonus XP and Boosts: Runescape frequently offers bonus XP events or items (like XP lamps, bonus XP cards). These temporarily increase the XP gained from actions. While not directly factored into this basic calculator, remember that bonus XP can significantly speed up your leveling, reducing the effective time and sometimes the cost-per-XP.
• Grand Exchange Fees: Selling items on the Grand Exchange often incurs a small fee (a percentage of the sale price). If you are factoring in profit from selling completed items via the GE, remember to account for this fee, which reduces your net profit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the fastest way to train Smithing in Runescape?
  Generally, the fastest methods involve smithing high-level items like Dragon Platebodies (if affordable) or high-tier platebodies and shields that offer substantial XP per item. Using portable forges and maximizing your smithing speed are key. This calculator helps identify potentially fast *and* cost-effective methods.
• Can Smithing be profitable?
  Yes, under certain market conditions. Smithing items like Steel, Mithril, or Adamant Platebodies or certain higher-tier items can be profitable if the selling price of the finished item (or its alch value) is sufficiently higher than the cost of the bars required. This calculator’s ‘Profit/Loss Per Item’ field helps determine this.
• How many bars does it take to get 99 Smithing?
  This varies greatly depending on the item. For example, smithing Rune Platebodies all the way to 99 requires approximately 1.5 million XP, translating to roughly 300,000 bars if each gives 5 XP. However, higher-tier items like Dragon Platebodies give more XP per bar. The calculator can estimate total bars for any quantity.
• Is it better to buy bars or ores and smelt them?
  It depends on the relative prices of ores, bars, and the smelting process time/effort. Often, buying bars directly from the Grand Exchange is more convenient and sometimes cheaper, especially when factoring in the mining and smelting time. However, if you have a steady source of cheap ores, smelting might be more cost-effective.
• What is the “Smithing Speed” input in the calculator?
  This refers to how many items you can successfully smith per game tick (0.6 seconds). Factors like using the correct tier gauntlets (e.g., Adamant/Rune gauntlets for their respective tiers), using a portable forge, and having high attack/strength for faster smiting actions contribute to this speed. A standard speed is often considered 1.0 items/tick.
• How accurate is the time estimation?
  The time estimation is based on the ‘Smithing Speed’ input and the standard 50 ticks per minute (common in Runescape 3). If your actual speed differs, or if you are playing Old School Runescape (which has 10 ticks per minute), the time will vary. It provides a good relative comparison between methods.
• Does the calculator account for Dragonfire Ward or other Invention-based smithing?
  This calculator focuses on traditional Runescape Smithing. Advanced methods involving Invention, like creating Dragonfire Ward components, require different calculations and specific materials not covered here.
• What if the item I want to smith isn’t listed?
  The calculator includes common smithing items. For less common or specific items (e.g., boss drops, quest items), you would need to find their base XP and bar requirements separately and potentially adapt the calculator or use its core logic manually. The formulas provided in the explanation section can guide this.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Runescape Farming Calculator: Plan your herb runs and optimize your Farming experience and profits.
• Runescape Herblore Calculator: Calculate the cost and XP for training your Herblore skill efficiently.
• Runescape Mining Calculator: Estimate XP, time, and potential profits from various mining spots.
• Runescape Combat Calculator: Predict combat level gains and best training methods for combat skills.
• Runescape Quest Guides: Comprehensive guides to completing quests for XP and rewards.
• Runescape GE Tracker: Monitor Grand Exchange prices and trends for better trading decisions.