Expert Reviewer: David Chen, CFA (Farming & Economic Analyst)
The Giant Seaweed Calculator helps Old School RuneScape players determine the profitability and expected time-to-target for their aquatic farming runs. Input your current farming yields, costs, and market prices to instantly calculate your Gross and Net Daily Profit in GP.
Giant Seaweed Daily Profit Calculator
Calculated Daily Net Profit
—Giant Seaweed Profit Formula
Gross Daily Profit = (Avg Yield per Patch × Patches per Run × Runs per Day) × Price
Net Daily Profit = Gross Daily Profit - (Runs per Day × (Compost Cost + Spore Cost))
Sources: OSRS Wiki: Giant Seaweed | Runescape Wiki: Seaweed Farming
Variables Explained
- Average Seaweed per Patch: The typical quantity of Giant Seaweed harvested from one patch. This is determined by your Farming level and the type of compost used (Ultra Compost is highly recommended).
- Daily Runs: The number of times you visit the patch within a 24-hour cycle. Giant Seaweed takes 40 minutes to grow stages, allowing for 2-3 runs per day.
- Giant Seaweed Market Price: The current Grand Exchange (GE) or trading price for one unit of Giant Seaweed.
- Patches per Run: The number of patches available (typically two on the Fossil Island underwater farming area).
- Compost Cost / Spore Cost: The total cost of the items used to maintain and start the patch (e.g., Ultra Compost, Seaweed Spores).
Related Calculators
Need to optimize other OSRS activities? Check out these related tools: Herb Run Profit Calculator | Birdhouse Run Tracker | Blast Furnace Profit Tool | Vorkath Kill Profit Calculator
What is Giant Seaweed?
Giant Seaweed is an essential resource in Old School RuneScape, primarily used in the Crafting skill to create Molten Glass. It is exclusively grown on Fossil Island in the underwater farming patch, requiring the completion of the “Bone Voyage” quest to access the area. Due to its high demand for ironman and main accounts alike (as it combines with sand to create glass), it remains a highly consistent and profitable farming method.
Optimizing Giant Seaweed runs is crucial for maximizing hourly profit in the game. Using Ultra Compost and checking the patches as soon as they are fully grown—approximately every 40 minutes, which results in three runs over a typical play session—will yield the maximum amount of Giant Seaweed. This calculator helps determine the exact financial benefit of this routine.
How to Calculate Giant Seaweed Profit (Example)
Here is a step-by-step example using the calculator’s inputs:
- Determine Gross Yield: A player expects 12 Seaweed per patch, checks 2 patches, and runs 3 times per day. Gross Yield = 12 × 2 × 3 = 72 Giant Seaweed.
- Calculate Gross Revenue: The market price is 1,000 GP per seaweed. Gross Revenue = 72 × 1,000 GP = 72,000 GP.
- Determine Total Cost: The run costs 1,500 GP (Spore Cost + Compost Cost) and is done 3 times. Total Cost = 3 × 1,500 GP = 4,500 GP.
- Find Net Profit: Subtract the total cost from the gross revenue. Net Daily Profit = 72,000 GP – 4,500 GP = 67,500 GP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to farm Giant Seaweed?
The most efficient method is to use Ultra Compost and check the patches every 40 minutes, which is the full growth time. This typically allows for up to 3 daily runs.
What is Giant Seaweed used for?
Giant Seaweed is primarily used to make Molten Glass (when combined with Buckets of Sand and a Fire source), which is then used for high-level Crafting experience and items like the Amulet of Glory or Glass Orbs.
How does the “Average Seaweed per Patch” change?
The yield increases with higher Farming levels and the type of compost used. Ultra Compost significantly reduces the chance of the patch dying and boosts the final harvest amount.
Is Giant Seaweed profitable for Ironmen?
Yes, it is highly valuable for Ironmen as it is a crucial bottleneck material for high-level Crafting, saving thousands of hours compared to collecting glass by other means.