OSRS Prayer XP Calculator: Your Ultimate Guide to Leveling Prayer in Old School RuneScape
Prayer is one of the most essential yet expensive skills to train in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Whether you’re aiming for protection prayers at level 43, unlocking all prayers at 77, or pushing for that coveted 99, understanding how to optimize your Prayer XP is key. That’s where an OSRS Prayer XP calculator comes in handy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into what a Prayer XP calculator is, how it works, the best training methods, and tips to maximize your efficiency—all tailored for both casual players and hardcore grinders looking to boost their OSRS experience.
An OSRS Prayer XP calculator is an online tool designed to help players plan their Prayer training by calculating the number of bones, ashes, or other resources needed to reach a specific level or XP goal. These calculators factor in various training methods, XP rates, and even cost efficiency, making them indispensable for anyone looking to save time and GP (gold pieces) in OSRS.
Why Use a Prayer XP Calculator?
Training Prayer can feel overwhelming due to the sheer variety of methods and the high costs involved. A calculator simplifies the process by:
- Estimating Resources: Tells you exactly how many dragon bones or ensouled heads you’ll need.
- Cost Analysis: Breaks down the GP cost based on current Grand Exchange prices.
- Time Efficiency: Helps you pick the fastest method to hit your goal.
- Customization: Accounts for boosts like gilded altars or the Chaos Altar’s bone-saving mechanic.
Popular OSRS Prayer XP Calculators
Several websites offer reliable Prayer XP calculators. Some of the best include:
- OldSchool.tools: A user-friendly option with detailed breakdowns.
- OSRS Wiki Calculator: Offers precise inputs for levels, XP, and methods.
- RuneHQ: Great for beginners with simple interfaces.
Each tool has its strengths, so try a few to see which fits your playstyle!
Top Prayer Training Methods in OSRS
Before using a Prayer XP calculator, it’s worth understanding the methods it’ll analyze. Here’s a rundown of the most popular ways to train Prayer in OSRS, complete with XP rates and costs.
Gilded Altar with Incense Burners
The gilded altar in a player-owned house (POH) is a classic method. With both incense burners lit, you get 350% of the base XP per bone—making it fast and efficient.
- XP Rate: Up to 1M XP/hour with dragon bones.
- Cost: Around 8-10M GP for 99 Prayer using dragon bones.
- Requirements: Access to a POH with a gilded altar (yours or a friend’s).
Chaos Altar in the Wilderness
Located in level 38 Wilderness, the Chaos Altar offers the same 350% XP as a gilded altar but with a 50% chance to save each bone, effectively doubling your XP per bone to 700% on average.
- XP Rate: Around 700k-800k XP/hour.
- Cost: Roughly 4-5M GP to 99 due to bone savings.
- Risk: PKers can interrupt your training, so bring only what you’re willing to lose.
Blessed Bone Shards at the Libation Bowl
Introduced with Varlamore, this method involves chiseling blessed bones into shards and offering them with blessed wine at the Libation Bowl.
- XP Rate: Up to 1.2M XP/hour with superior dragon bones.
- Cost: Varies widely based on bone type and wine prep time.
- Requirements: Level 30 Prayer and access to Varlamore.
Ensouled Heads
Reanimating monsters with the Arceuus spellbook and killing them grants Prayer XP alongside Magic XP.
- XP Rate: 200k-300k XP/hour with dragon heads.
- Cost: 5-7M GP to 99, depending on head type.
- Bonus: Trains Magic simultaneously.
How to Use an OSRS Prayer XP Calculator Effectively
Getting the most out of a Prayer XP calculator requires knowing how to input your data and interpret the results. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Input Your Current Level or XP
Start by entering your current Prayer level or total XP. Most calculators let you toggle between these options for accuracy—use XP if you’re mid-level to avoid rounding errors.
Step 2: Set Your Goal
Decide your target—whether it’s 43 for protection prayers, 77 for all prayers, or 99 for maxing. The calculator will compute the XP gap.
Step 3: Choose Your Method
Select your preferred training method (e.g., Chaos Altar, gilded altar). Some calculators also let you factor in boosts like Zealot’s robes or unnoting services.
Step 4: Analyze Costs and Quantities
Review the output: how many bones or ashes you need, total cost, and estimated time. Adjust your method if the cost or time doesn’t suit your budget.
Prayer XP Calculator: Sample Table for Level 1 to 99
Here’s a sample table showing approximate requirements for reaching level 99 Prayer from level 1 using popular methods. Costs are based on average Grand Exchange prices as of April 2025.
| Method | Bone Type | Quantity Needed | Total Cost (GP) | XP/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilded Altar | Dragon Bones | 37,000 | 9.25M | 1M |
| Chaos Altar | Dragon Bones | 18,500 | 4.6M | 800k |
| Libation Bowl | Superior Dragon Bones | 13,000 | 12M | 1.2M |
| Ensouled Heads | Dragon Heads | 26,000 | 6.5M | 300k |
Note: Prices fluctuate, so always check the Grand Exchange before committing!
Tips to Maximize Prayer XP Efficiency
Using a Prayer XP calculator is just the start. Here are some pro tips to level up faster and cheaper.
Leverage Bone-Saving Mechanics
The Chaos Altar’s 50% bone-saving chance is a game-changer. Pair it with Zealot’s robes (1.25% chance per piece to save bones) for even more efficiency.
Use Beasts of Burden
A familiar like a war tortoise or pack yak can carry extra bones, reducing bank trips and boosting your XP/hour—especially useful at the Chaos Altar or Libation Bowl.
Quest for Early Levels
Complete quests like The Restless Ghost and Holy Grail for over 14k free Prayer XP, skipping the early grind entirely.
Monitor GE Prices
Bone prices shift daily. Use your calculator with real-time GE data to buy when prices dip—saving millions over time.
Join a Community Altar World
World 330 (or similar) often has open gilded altars. You’ll save on construction costs and get straight to training.
Why Prayer Matters in OSRS
Prayer isn’t just about XP—it’s a cornerstone of OSRS gameplay. From surviving boss fights with protection prayers to boosting combat stats with Piety or Augury, a high Prayer level unlocks massive potential.
Key Prayer Milestones
- Level 43: All protection prayers (Protect from Melee, Magic, Range).
- Level 70: Piety—huge melee boost.
- Level 77: Augury and Rigour for Magic and Ranged supremacy.
- Level 99: Prestige and max prayer point restoration.
Prayer in PvM and PvP
In PvM, prayers like Soul Split (unlocked via Ancient Curses) can sustain you through tough fights. In PvP, flicking prayers can outsmart opponents, making Prayer a skill worth mastering.
With an OSRS Prayer XP calculator, you’re not just grinding—you’re strategizing. Pick your method, crunch the numbers, and watch your Prayer level soar. Whether you’re a budget-conscious Ironman or a main account splurging on superior dragon bones, this tool ensures you hit your goals efficiently. Start planning today, and may Guthix bless your journey to 99!