Oblivion Spell Making Calculator

Spell Cost Formula:

\[ \text{Spell Cost} = \text{Base Cost} \times \text{Magnitude Modifier} \times \text{Duration Modifier} \times \text{Area Modifier} \times \text{Skill Modifier} \]

Base Spell Cost:

magicka

Magnitude:

points

Duration:

seconds

Area of Effect:

feet

Skill Level:

Total Spell Cost:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Spell Cost Formula?

The spell cost formula in Oblivion determines how much magicka a custom spell will consume when cast. It's based on the base effect cost modified by magnitude, duration, area of effect, and your character's skill level.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Oblivion spell cost formula:

\[ \text{Spell Cost} = \text{Base Cost} \times \text{Magnitude}^{1.28} \times \frac{\text{Duration} + 1}{2} \times (\text{Area} + 1)^{1.5} \times \left(1 - \frac{\text{Skill Level}}{200}\right) \]

Where:

Base Cost — The base magicka cost of the spell effect
Magnitude — The strength of the effect (1.28 exponent)
Duration — How long the effect lasts (linear scaling)
Area — The radius of effect (1.5 exponent)
Skill Level — Your character's skill level in the magic school (25-125)

Explanation: The formula shows that increasing magnitude and area have exponential costs, while duration scales linearly. Higher skill levels reduce the total cost.

3. Importance of Spell Cost Calculation

Details: Calculating spell cost is essential for creating effective custom spells that fit within your character's magicka pool while achieving the desired effects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the base cost from the spell effect, then adjust magnitude, duration, and area as needed. Select your current skill level in the relevant magic school.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does magnitude cost more than duration?
A: Magnitude has an exponential cost (^1.28) because powerful effects are disproportionately more valuable than longer-lasting ones.

Q2: What's the maximum spell cost possible?
A: The game limits spell cost to your maximum magicka × 3.5 (with 100 Willpower). Typically around 700 magicka for most characters.

Q3: How does skill level affect cost?
A: Each skill level reduces cost by 0.5%. Master level (100) halves the cost compared to Novice (25).

Q4: Are there any hidden modifiers?
A: Some effects have special modifiers. For example, Damage Health costs 50% more than other effects of the same base cost.

Q5: Can I reduce spell costs further?
A: Yes, through enchantments (Fortify Magicka, Fortify [School]), birthsigns, and racial bonuses.