How the grind time is worked out
Whether it's an MMO level cap, a battle pass, a skill in RuneScape or a prestige rank, every grind is the same sum: what's left divided by how fast you earn it. The hard part is knowing your real XP per hour, so measure a few normal sessions rather than using your best one.
The formula
hours = XP left ÷ (XP per hour × bonus)
days = hours ÷ hours played per day
hours per day for a deadline = hours ÷ days left
Example
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| XP left: 400,000 − 125,000 | 275,000 XP |
| Hours: 275,000 ÷ 18,000 | 15 h 17 min |
| At 2 hours a day | 8 days |
| With double XP | 7 h 38 min |
Grinding smarter
- Save it for bonus events. Double XP weekends halve the time; plan big sessions around them.
- Stack daily rewards. Daily quests and first-win bonuses often beat hours of repetitive farming per minute played.
- Take breaks. Your XP per hour drops when you're tired; two focused hours usually beat four sluggish ones.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out my XP per hour?
Note your XP, play for a timed session (30 to 60 minutes of your normal grind), then note it again. XP gained ÷ minutes played × 60 is your XP per hour. Measure a few sessions and average them for a reliable number.
How do double XP events change the time?
A 2x multiplier halves the time for the same XP. This calculator applies your bonus to the whole remaining grind; if the event only lasts part of the time, run it twice with and without the bonus to see the split.
Does this work for battle passes?
Yes. Use battle pass tiers or stars instead of XP: current progress, total needed and the amount you earn per hour or per day. Add your days left in the season to check whether you'll finish in time.
Why do later levels take so much longer?
Most games increase the XP needed per level as you go, so the last few levels can take as long as all the early ones. Use total XP (not levels) for the current and target fields when your game shows it.
Rates and figures last checked October 2026.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Check current rates and product labels before you buy, list or file.