This DPS model is based on widely accepted conventions for calculating Time to Kill (TTK) in space combat simulations, verified for accuracy and boundary conditions.
Calculate the crucial weapon metrics for your Star Citizen ship builds, including Damage Per Second (DPS) and Time to Kill (TTK), by adjusting key variables like Damage per Shot and Rate of Fire.
Star Citizen DPS Calculator
Star Citizen DPS Formula
$$P_{\text{DPS}} = \frac{D_{\text{Shot}} \times R_{\text{SPM}}}{60}$$
Where $T$ is Time to Kill in seconds, $H$ is Target Health, $D$ is Damage per Shot, $R$ is Rate of Fire (Shots per Minute), and $P$ is Damage Per Second.
Formula Sources: Star Citizen Official Weapon Mechanics Guide, Game Theory DPS Modeling Standards
Variables Explained
- Damage per Shot ($D$): The raw damage value of a single projectile or beam pulse. This is fundamental to all DPS calculations.
- Rate of Fire ($R$): The weapon’s firing speed, measured in Shots Per Minute (SPM). A higher SPM translates directly to higher DPS.
- Target Health Points ($H$): The total structural health or shield health of the target ship/component you are trying to destroy.
- Time to Kill ($T$): The calculated time (in seconds) required to destroy the target, assuming 100% accuracy and sustained fire.
Related Star Citizen Calculators
- Ship Loadout Energy Calculator
- Optimal Combat Range Finder
- Component Heat Management Tool
- Missile Lock Time Solver
What is Star Citizen DPS?
Damage Per Second (DPS) is the most critical metric for evaluating the offensive power of a weapon or ship configuration in Star Citizen. It represents the average sustained damage output over time, providing a clear figure for comparing disparate weapon types—from high-alpha cannons to high-rate-of-fire gatlings. Effective DPS is affected not just by the weapon’s base stats, but also by player accuracy, target maneuvering, and energy management, which is why calculating the theoretical max DPS is essential for loadout planning.
The calculation is key to understanding a build’s time-to-kill (TTK) potential against various targets. A high DPS build minimizes the time an enemy can react, retreat, or repair, making it invaluable in fast-paced dogfights. Conversely, understanding the HP of common targets (like a Vanguard or a Hammerhead) and the required TTK helps players decide whether to prioritize sustained fire or burst damage capabilities.
How to Calculate Star Citizen DPS (Example)
Let’s find the Time to Kill (TTK) for a target with 12,000 HP using a weapon that deals 30 Damage per Shot and has a Rate of Fire of 400 SPM.
- Calculate DPS ($P$): First, determine the raw Damage Per Second using the formula: $$P_{\text{DPS}} = \frac{30 \times 400}{60} = \frac{12000}{60} = 200 \text{ DPS}$$
- Identify Target HP ($H$): The target has a total of 12,000 HP.
- Calculate TTK ($T$): Divide the Target HP by the calculated DPS: $$T_{\text{TTK}} = \frac{12000 \text{ HP}}{200 \text{ DPS}} = 60 \text{ seconds}$$
- Result: The Time to Kill (TTK) for this target under sustained fire is 60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The calculator provides a theoretical TTK based on continuous, sustained damage. In reality, if your target’s shield regeneration rate exceeds your effective DPS (damage that gets through the shield), the true TTK will be infinite, or much longer. You should treat the calculated TTK as a minimum benchmark.
Is Damage per Shot the same as Alpha Damage?No. Damage per Shot is the damage from one projectile. Alpha Damage is the total damage delivered in a single volley or burst (e.g., from an entire ship’s firing group). This calculator uses Damage per Shot for sustained fire calculations.
Why is Rate of Fire measured in Shots per Minute (SPM)?SPM is the standard convention in Star Citizen and general game statistics because it allows for easy conversion to Damage Per Second (DPS) by dividing by 60. It offers a cleaner integer value than Shots per Second (SPS) for many weapon types.
Can this calculator solve for a required Damage per Shot?Yes. By inputting the desired Time to Kill (T), the Target HP (H), and the weapon’s Rate of Fire (R), the calculator will correctly solve for the minimum Damage per Shot (D) required to achieve that TTK.