RPG XP-to-Level Calculator

How it works

XP(L → L+1) = base × L^exponent · XP to target = Σ from L = current to target−1 of base × L^exponent · remaining = that sum − XP already earned

Most role-playing games use a rising XP curve: each level costs more experience than the last, so the jump from 1 to 2 is trivial and the jump from 19 to 20 is a grind. A common family of curves sets the cost of the next level to a base amount times the current level raised to a power — an exponent of 2 gives the familiar quadratic feel, while 3 makes late levels punishing and 1.5 keeps them reachable. Summing that cost across every level between where you are and where you want to be gives the total experience to earn; subtracting what you have already banked this level tells you how much is actually left.

Worked example

With base 100 and exponent 2 (cost = 100 × L²), going from level 5 to 10 sums the costs of levels 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: 100 × (25 + 36 + 49 + 64 + 81) = 100 × 255 = 25,500 XP. The very next level (5 → 6) alone costs 100 × 5² = 2,500 XP.

Frequently asked questions