OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator
Estimate your GP/hour from smelting bars at the Blast Furnace in Old School RuneScape.
Select the type of bar you plan to smelt.
Current Grand Exchange price for one unit of the selected ore.
Current Grand Exchange price for one unit of Coal.
Current Grand Exchange price for one unit of the smelted bar.
Your estimated efficiency (e.g., 2500-3000 for Steel, 3000-3500 for Gold).
Current Grand Exchange price for a full 4-dose Stamina Potion.
Number of full 4-dose Stamina Potions you use per hour (e.g., 1 to 1.5).
Calculation Results
Formula Used:
Profit Per Hour = (Bars Smelted Per Hour × Bar Price) – (Bars Smelted Per Hour × Ore Price) – (Total Coal Needed Per Hour × Coal Price) – (Stamina Potions Used Per Hour × Stamina Potion Price)
Where Total Coal Needed Per Hour is determined by the Bar Type and its specific coal ratio.
| Bar Type | Ore Required | Coal Required per Ore | Recommended Efficiency (Bars/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Bar | Iron Ore | 2 | 2500 – 3000 |
| Mithril Bar | Mithril Ore | 4 | 2000 – 2500 |
| Adamantite Bar | Adamantite Ore | 6 | 1500 – 2000 |
| Runite Bar | Runite Ore | 8 | 1000 – 1500 |
| Gold Bar | Gold Ore | 0 | 3000 – 3500 |
Profit Sensitivity Chart
This chart illustrates how your profit per hour changes with varying Bar Prices, assuming all other inputs remain constant. The blue line represents profit with current inputs, and the red line shows profit if the bar price were slightly lower.
What is the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator?
The OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator is an essential tool for Old School RuneScape players looking to maximize their gold per hour (GP/hr) while training Smithing or simply making money. This calculator helps you determine the profitability of smelting various types of bars at the Blast Furnace by taking into account current Grand Exchange (GE) prices for ores, coal, and the resulting bars, as well as your personal efficiency and potion usage.
Who should use it?
- Money Makers: Players whose primary goal is to earn GP efficiently.
- Smithing Trainers: Those training Smithing who want to offset costs or even profit while gaining experience.
- Ironmen: While ironmen cannot buy/sell on the GE, understanding the relative value of bars can help prioritize which ores to gather and smelt for their own use.
- Market Watchers: Players who want to quickly identify which bars are currently most profitable due to market fluctuations.
Common misconceptions:
- Ignores initial setup costs: The OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator focuses on recurring hourly profit, not the one-time cost of acquiring items like Ice Gloves, Smithing Gauntlets, or a Ring of Wealth.
- Assumes perfect efficiency: The “Bars Smelted Per Hour” input relies on your realistic efficiency, which can vary based on attention, ping, and skill level. The calculator doesn’t automatically account for AFK time or mistakes.
- Static market prices: GE prices fluctuate constantly. The calculator provides a snapshot based on your input; real-time profit may differ if prices change rapidly. Always verify current prices before committing to a long session.
OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
Understanding the underlying formula of the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator is key to making informed decisions. The calculation boils down to subtracting all hourly costs from the total hourly revenue generated by selling the smelted bars.
Step-by-step derivation:
- Calculate Total Revenue Per Hour: This is simply the number of bars you can smelt in an hour multiplied by the selling price of each bar.
- Calculate Ore Cost Per Hour: This is the number of bars smelted per hour multiplied by the cost of one unit of the specific ore required.
- Calculate Coal Cost Per Hour: This is the number of bars smelted per hour multiplied by the specific coal ratio for that bar type, then multiplied by the cost of one unit of coal. (Note: Gold bars require 0 coal).
- Calculate Stamina Potion Cost Per Hour: This is the number of full stamina potions you use per hour multiplied by the cost of one full stamina potion.
- Calculate Total Costs Per Hour: Sum the Ore Cost Per Hour, Coal Cost Per Hour, and Stamina Potion Cost Per Hour.
- Calculate Net Profit Per Hour: Subtract the Total Costs Per Hour from the Total Revenue Per Hour.
The Formula:
Profit/hr = (Bars Smelted/hr × Bar Price) - (Bars Smelted/hr × Ore Price) - (Total Coal Needed/hr × Coal Price) - (Stamina Potions Used/hr × Stamina Potion Price)
Where Total Coal Needed/hr = Bars Smelted/hr × Coal Ratio (and Coal Ratio is 0 for Gold Bars).
Variable Explanations and Table:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Bar Type |
The specific type of bar being smelted (e.g., Steel, Mithril, Gold). Determines coal ratio. | N/A | Steel, Mithril, Adamantite, Runite, Gold |
Ore Price |
The Grand Exchange price of one unit of the raw ore. | GP | 50 – 10,000+ |
Coal Price |
The Grand Exchange price of one unit of Coal. | GP | 150 – 300 |
Bar Price |
The Grand Exchange selling price of one smelted bar. | GP | 100 – 15,000+ |
Bars Smelted Per Hour |
Your personal efficiency, the number of bars you can smelt in one hour. | Bars/hr | 1000 – 3500 |
Stamina Potion (4) Price |
The Grand Exchange price of a full 4-dose Stamina Potion. | GP | 7,000 – 10,000 |
Stamina Potions (4) Used Per Hour |
The estimated number of full 4-dose Stamina Potions consumed in one hour. | Potions/hr | 0.5 – 2.0 |
Coal Ratio |
The number of coal required per single ore to smelt a specific bar type. | Coal/ore | 0 (Gold) to 8 (Runite) |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Let’s walk through a couple of examples using the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator to illustrate its utility.
Example 1: Smelting Steel Bars
Steel bars are a common choice for both profit and Smithing XP. Let’s assume the following market prices and efficiency:
- Bar Type: Steel Bar
- Ore Price (Iron Ore): 150 GP
- Coal Price: 200 GP
- Bar Price (Steel Bar): 500 GP
- Bars Smelted Per Hour: 2800
- Stamina Potion (4) Price: 8000 GP
- Stamina Potions (4) Used Per Hour: 1.5
Calculation Breakdown:
- Coal Ratio for Steel: 2 coal per Iron Ore
- Total Coal Needed Per Hour: 2800 bars × 2 coal/bar = 5600 coal
- Revenue Per Hour: 2800 bars × 500 GP/bar = 1,400,000 GP
- Ore Cost Per Hour: 2800 bars × 150 GP/ore = 420,000 GP
- Coal Cost Per Hour: 5600 coal × 200 GP/coal = 1,120,000 GP
- Stamina Potion Cost Per Hour: 1.5 pots × 8000 GP/pot = 12,000 GP
- Total Costs Per Hour: 420,000 + 1,120,000 + 12,000 = 1,552,000 GP
- Profit Per Hour: 1,400,000 – 1,552,000 = -152,000 GP
Interpretation: In this scenario, smelting Steel Bars would result in a loss of 152,000 GP per hour. This indicates that either the bar price is too low, or the ore/coal prices are too high, making it an unprofitable venture at these rates. You would need to adjust your strategy or find a different bar type.
Example 2: Smelting Gold Bars (with Goldsmith Gauntlets)
Gold bars are often smelted for high Smithing XP, especially with Goldsmith Gauntlets. They require no coal. Let’s use these values:
- Bar Type: Gold Bar
- Ore Price (Gold Ore): 300 GP
- Coal Price: 200 GP (irrelevant for Gold Bars)
- Bar Price (Gold Bar): 350 GP
- Bars Smelted Per Hour: 3200
- Stamina Potion (4) Price: 8000 GP
- Stamina Potions (4) Used Per Hour: 1.0
Calculation Breakdown:
- Coal Ratio for Gold: 0 coal per Gold Ore
- Total Coal Needed Per Hour: 0 coal
- Revenue Per Hour: 3200 bars × 350 GP/bar = 1,120,000 GP
- Ore Cost Per Hour: 3200 bars × 300 GP/ore = 960,000 GP
- Coal Cost Per Hour: 0 GP
- Stamina Potion Cost Per Hour: 1.0 pot × 8000 GP/pot = 8,000 GP
- Total Costs Per Hour: 960,000 + 0 + 8,000 = 968,000 GP
- Profit Per Hour: 1,120,000 – 968,000 = 152,000 GP
Interpretation: In this scenario, smelting Gold Bars yields a healthy profit of 152,000 GP per hour. This makes it a viable money-making method while also providing excellent Smithing experience. This example highlights how the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator can quickly show you profitable opportunities.
How to Use This OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator
Our OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator is designed for ease of use, allowing you to quickly assess the profitability of your smelting endeavors. Follow these simple steps:
- Select Bar Type: Choose the type of bar you intend to smelt from the dropdown menu (e.g., Steel, Mithril, Gold). This automatically sets the correct coal ratio for the calculation.
- Enter Ore Price (GP): Input the current Grand Exchange price for one unit of the raw ore required for your chosen bar type.
- Enter Coal Price (GP): Input the current Grand Exchange price for one unit of Coal. If you’re smelting Gold Bars, this value won’t affect the profit, but it’s good practice to keep it updated.
- Enter Bar Price (GP): Input the current Grand Exchange selling price for one unit of the smelted bar.
- Enter Bars Smelted Per Hour: Estimate your personal efficiency. This is the number of bars you can realistically smelt in one hour. Refer to common efficiency ranges provided in the table or online guides.
- Enter Stamina Potion (4) Price (GP): Input the current GE price for a full 4-dose Stamina Potion.
- Enter Stamina Potions (4) Used Per Hour: Estimate how many full 4-dose Stamina Potions you consume in an hour. Typically, this is between 1 and 1.5.
- View Results: The calculator updates in real-time as you adjust inputs. The “Total Profit Per Hour” will be prominently displayed, along with intermediate values like revenue and costs.
How to read results:
- Total Profit Per Hour: This is your net gain (or loss) in GP for every hour spent at the Blast Furnace. A positive number means profit, a negative number means a loss.
- Revenue Per Hour: The total GP earned from selling all bars smelted in an hour.
- Material Costs Per Hour: The combined cost of all ores and coal used in an hour.
- Stamina Potion Costs Per Hour: The total cost of stamina potions consumed in an hour.
Decision-making guidance:
Use the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator to compare different bar types. If one bar type shows a significant loss, consider switching to another or waiting for market prices to shift. Always aim for a positive “Total Profit Per Hour” to ensure you’re making money.
Key Factors That Affect OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator Results
The profitability of the Blast Furnace, as reflected by the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator, is influenced by several dynamic factors. Understanding these can help you optimize your money-making strategy.
- Market Prices (Ore, Coal, Bar): This is the most significant factor. GE prices for raw ores, coal, and finished bars fluctuate constantly based on supply and demand. A slight change in any of these can turn a profitable method into a losing one, or vice-versa. Always check current prices using a reliable source before a long session.
- Player Efficiency (Bars/hr): Your ability to smelt bars quickly and consistently directly impacts your profit. Higher efficiency (more bars per hour) means more revenue and better utilization of your time, assuming profit per bar is positive. This is affected by attention, ping, and proper use of inventory management.
- Stamina Potion Usage: Running at the Blast Furnace consumes a lot of run energy. Stamina potions are almost mandatory for optimal efficiency. The cost and quantity of potions used directly reduce your net profit. Minimizing potion usage without sacrificing too much efficiency can improve profit.
- Bar Type (Coal Ratio): Different bars require different amounts of coal per ore. Gold bars require no coal, making them potentially very profitable if gold ore and bar prices are favorable. Runite bars, requiring 8 coal per ore, have high material costs. The OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator accounts for this crucial difference.
- Membership Status: The Blast Furnace is a members-only activity. Free-to-play players cannot access it, so this calculator is exclusively for members.
- Alternative Money Makers (Opportunity Cost): While the OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator shows your profit from BF, it doesn’t tell you if another activity would be even more profitable. Always consider the opportunity cost – what else could you be doing with your time that might yield more GP? For more ideas, check out our OSRS money making guide.
- Market Volatility: Some items have more stable prices than others. Highly volatile items can lead to unpredictable profits. Monitoring trends can give you an edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Blast Furnace still profitable in OSRS?
A: Yes, the Blast Furnace can be highly profitable, but its profitability fluctuates daily with Grand Exchange prices. Using an OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator is essential to determine current viability.
Q: What are the requirements for Blast Furnace?
A: You need 60 Smithing to use the Blast Furnace effectively (though you can start at 30 Smithing with a dwarf multicannon). You also need to complete the “Giant Dwarf” quest to access the area. Ice Gloves or Smithing Gauntlets are highly recommended for efficiency, and a Ring of Wealth is useful for gold bars. For more details, see our Blast Furnace requirements guide.
Q: What equipment should I use for Blast Furnace?
A: Essential gear includes Ice Gloves (to handle hot bars without taking damage) or Smithing Gauntlets (for bonus XP with gold bars), a Ring of Wealth (for gold bars), and a full Graceful outfit or other weight-reducing gear to conserve run energy. Stamina potions are also crucial.
Q: How many bars can I make per hour at Blast Furnace?
A: Efficiency varies by bar type and player skill. Gold bars can reach 3000-3500 bars/hr, Steel bars 2500-3000/hr, Mithril 2000-2500/hr, Adamantite 1500-2000/hr, and Runite 1000-1500/hr. The OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator allows you to input your specific rate.
Q: Does Blast Furnace require a lot of attention?
A: Yes, for maximum efficiency and profit, Blast Furnace requires high attention. You’ll be constantly running, banking, and interacting with the furnace. It’s not an AFK method.
Q: Can I use this OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator for Ironmen?
A: While ironmen cannot buy or sell on the Grand Exchange, this calculator can still help them understand the relative “value” of different bars in terms of resources saved or XP gained, guiding their resource gathering priorities. However, the GP profit aspect is not directly applicable.
Q: What are the best bars to smelt for profit at Blast Furnace?
A: The “best” bars change constantly with GE prices. Gold bars are often good for XP and sometimes profit due to no coal requirement. Steel, Mithril, and Adamantite can also be very profitable. Always use an OSRS Blast Furnace Profit Calculator with current OSRS GE prices to find the most profitable option at any given time.
Q: How often do OSRS GE prices change?
A: Grand Exchange prices can change minute-by-minute, especially for high-volume items like ores, coal, and bars. It’s advisable to check prices frequently, especially before starting a long Blast Furnace session, to ensure your profit calculations remain accurate.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
To further enhance your Old School RuneScape experience and optimize your gameplay, explore these related tools and guides:
- OSRS Money Making Guide: Discover various methods to earn gold in Gielinor, from low-requirement activities to high-level bossing.
- OSRS Smithing XP Calculator: Plan your Smithing levels efficiently by calculating XP rates and costs for different methods.
- OSRS Herb Run Profit Calculator: Determine the profitability of your herb runs, a popular daily money-making activity.
- OSRS Flipping Guide: Learn the art of Grand Exchange flipping to make passive income by buying low and selling high.
- Blast Furnace Requirements Guide: A detailed breakdown of all the skills, quests, and items needed to efficiently use the Blast Furnace.
- OSRS GE Prices Tracker: Stay updated with real-time Grand Exchange prices for all items to make informed decisions.