OSRS Splashing Calculator
Calculate the exact number of casts, time, and cost to reach your Magic level goals through splashing.
Splashing Calculator
What is OSRS Splashing?
Splashing in Old School RuneScape is a popular and highly AFK (Away From Keyboard) method for training the Magic skill. The technique involves wearing gear with a very low Magic Attack bonus, specifically -64 or lower. This negative bonus ensures that your spells will never successfully hit and deal damage to a target. Despite the spell ‘splashing’ (visibly hitting a 0), you still receive the base experience for casting it. This allows you to continuously attack an NPC without killing it, leading to long, uninterrupted training sessions with minimal interaction.
OSRS Splashing Formula and Explanation
The core of splashing is casting a spell repeatedly. The number of casts per hour is constant for most spells, as a standard magic combat spell takes 5 game ticks (3 seconds) to cast. This means you can perform 1,200 casts per hour. The total experience and cost are based on the spell you choose.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Level | Your character’s current Magic skill level. | Level | 1-99 |
| Spell | The specific magic spell you are casting. | Name | Wind Strike to Fire Surge |
| XP per Cast | The amount of experience gained for each cast of the spell. | XP | 5.5 – 50.5 |
| Rune Cost | The cost in Gold Pieces (gp) for the runes required for one cast. | GP | Varies based on spell and Grand Exchange prices. |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Low-Level Splashing
A player starting at level 1 Magic wants to reach level 41 to cast Wind Blast. They choose to splash Fire Strike.
- Inputs: Current Level: 1, Target Level: 41, Spell: Fire Strike
- Results: This would require a specific number of Fire Strike casts, taking a certain amount of time and costing a calculated amount in runes. The calculator above can provide the exact numbers.
Example 2: High-Level AFK Training
A player with 75 Magic wants to AFK train to level 90 while working. They choose to splash Fire Wave.
- Inputs: Current Level: 75, Target Level: 90, Spell: Fire Wave
- Results: The calculator would show the substantial number of casts needed, the many hours of AFK time required, and the total cost for the runes.
How to Use This Splashing Calculator OSRS
- Enter Your Levels: Input your current Magic level and your desired target level.
- Select Your Spell: Choose a spell from the dropdown menu. The list is filtered by the required Magic level.
- Input Rune Costs: Enter the current Grand Exchange prices for the runes used in the selected spell for an accurate cost calculation.
- Review Your Results: The calculator will instantly show you the total experience needed, the number of casts, the total cost, and the time it will take.
Key Factors That Affect Splashing
- Magic Gear: You must have a Magic Attack bonus of -64 or lower. This is typically achieved with metal armour (like full iron or steel), a kite shield, and certain vambraces.
- Spell Choice: Higher-level spells provide more XP per hour but also cost significantly more.
- Rune Prices: The cost of runes fluctuates on the Grand Exchange, directly impacting the total cost of splashing.
- Staff Type: Using an elemental staff can eliminate the cost of one type of elemental rune, while combination staves can cover multiple. The Harmonised Nightmare Staff casts spells faster but is very expensive.
- Target NPC: The ideal target is a low-level NPC that won’t die and is in a safe, single-combat area where other players can’t interfere, such as rats or seagulls.
- AFK Timer: You will be logged out after a certain period of inactivity. You must interact with the game (e.g., move the camera) at least once every 20 minutes to remain logged in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best gear for splashing?
The best gear is any combination that gives you a -64 or lower Magic Attack bonus. For most players, this means a full set of metal armour (full helm, platebody, platelegs, kiteshield). Members with 40 Ranged can use green d’hide vambraces to reach the required negative bonus.
Where is the best place to splash?
Good locations include areas with rats or seagulls, like the Port Sarim docks, Lumbridge swamp, or Varrock sewers. The key is to find a spot where the NPC is stuck and can’t be killed by other players.
Can I splash in free-to-play (F2P)?
Yes, splashing is possible in F2P. You will need to use a full set of metal armour to achieve the necessary negative Magic bonus.
How much experience can I get per hour?
XP rates vary from around 6,600 XP/hr with Wind Strike to over 60,000 XP/hr with Fire Surge.
Is splashing against the rules?
No, splashing is not against the rules. However, Jagex has implemented a 20-minute timer that will stop your character from auto-retaliating if you are completely AFK.
Why can’t I gain experience while splashing in Lumbridge?
To prevent new players from being confused or misled, Jagex removed the ability to gain experience from splashing in the immediate Lumbridge area.
What is the most cost-effective spell for splashing?
Generally, the basic strike spells (Wind, Water, Earth, Fire Strike) are the most cost-effective, but they also provide the slowest experience rates. The calculator can help you find a balance between cost and speed that suits your budget.
How does the Harmonised Nightmare Staff affect splashing?
The Harmonised Nightmare Staff allows you to cast standard combat spells one tick faster, increasing your casts per hour from 1,200 to 1,500. This significantly boosts your XP per hour but comes at a very high cost.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- OSRS Melee Combat Calculator – Plan your melee training and gear progression.
- OSRS Prayer Calculator – Calculate the number of bones and cost to reach your prayer goals.
- OSRS Ranged Calculator – Optimize your ranged training with our detailed calculator.
- OSRS Slayer Guide – A comprehensive guide to the Slayer skill.
- OSRS Money Making Guide – Discover the best ways to earn gold in Gielinor.
- OSRS Quest Guide – Your guide to all quests in Old School RuneScape.