How to Read EV & GPH in LootCalc (Examples)

EV & GPH Basics

What "Expected Value (EV)" Means

EV is the long-run average value per run. It multiplies each possible drop value by its probability and sums over all outcomes, including non-unique loot. EV is expressed as gold per run in LootCalc.

What "Gold per Hour (GPH)" Means

GPH translates EV into time efficiency: GPH = EV × runs per hour − costs per hour. Use it to compare setups with different runtimes and consumable costs.

How to Use EV/GPH in Practice

Choosing Activities

Start with EV to answer "is a single run worth it?" Then check GPH to see whether it's worth your time versus alternatives with different clear speeds or expenses.

Comparing Setups with GPH

If two setups have similar EV but very different run times, GPH usually favors the faster one — unless the faster approach has much higher costs or worse success rate.

Caveats & Limits

Variance and Dry Streaks

EV is a mean; real results fluctuate. Plan for variance, especially with rare uniques. Consider your risk tolerance and session length.

Costs and Overhead

Travel time, deaths, repairs, and consumables reduce GPH. Enter realistic costs and use multi-run averages to stabilize your estimates.

Version & Sources

LootCalc displays the current data version in each calculator UI. Sources include OSRS Wiki tables and Blizzard season notes/blue-posts where applicable.