How to Calculate Your OSRS Combat Level
In Old School RuneScape (OSRS), your combat level is an aggregate indicator of your player's combat prowess. It is calculated using a specific mathematical formula that combines your defensive stats (Hitpoints, Defence, and Prayer) with your highest offensive stat (Melee, Ranged, or Magic).
Note: The mathematical ⌊floor⌋ function simply means you round down to the nearest whole number. The game always truncates decimals.
Because the formula only uses your highest offensive combat style, leveling up your secondary offensive skills will not increase your overall combat level until they mathematically surpass your primary combat style. This mechanic is what allows players to build specialized "pure" accounts for PvP.
| Combat Level | Milestone / Achievement |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | Starting level for a new account (all stats at 1, HP at 10). |
| Level 40 | Requirement for the Pest Control minigame (Novice boat). |
| Level 85 | Requirement to complete the 'Dream Mentor' quest. |
| Level 100 | Requirement for the Pest Control minigame (Veteran boat). |
| Level 126 | The absolute maximum combat level attainable in OSRS. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "Pure" account?
A "pure" is a specialized account build specifically designed for Player vs. Player (PvP) combat. By keeping their Defence level at 1, pures artificially keep their combat level very low while maximizing their offensive stats (Strength, Ranged, or Magic). This allows them to hit incredibly hard against other players of the same low combat level.
Why does Prayer only give half points?
According to the underlying base formula, your Prayer level is divided by 2 (and rounded down) before being factored into your base defense. This means it generally takes 8 Prayer levels to increase your final combat level by exactly 1 point, compared to taking only 4 levels in Defence or Hitpoints.
How many levels do I need for my next Combat Level?
A general rule of thumb is that 4 levels in Attack, Strength, Hitpoints, or Defence will raise your combat level by 1. For Ranged or Magic, it takes about 3 levels (assuming they are your primary combat style). Prayer requires exactly 8 levels to guarantee a combat level up.