What is a good XP curve?

One where early levels come quickly, so players feel progress, and later levels slow gradually. The best check is playtesting how long each level takes.

How do I use the CSV?

Paste it into a spreadsheet, or import it as a table or ScriptableObject data in your engine.

Does this work for non-RPG games?

Yes. Any progression system with levels, such as battle passes, skill trees or reputation, can use the same curves.

Exponential or polynomial curve?

Polynomial curves (level squared or cubed) grow steadily and suit most RPGs. Exponential curves explode at high levels, which works only with a level cap or prestige system.

How long should a level take?

Early levels often take a few minutes to hook the player; later ones 30 to 60 minutes. The hours column shows if the late game becomes a grind.

RPG XP and Level Curve Calculator for Game Designers

Choose a curve, set the base cost and see the XP to each level, the running total and how many hours it takes to reach the last level at your expected XP rate.

Curve typeBase XPPower1.0 is linear, 2.0 is steep. Many RPGs sit around 1.5 to 2.5.Levels to showXP earned per hour of playPlaytest this number; it is the one that matters.

126.8 hours to reach the last level

Level	XP to next	Total XP
1	100	100
2	283	383
3	520	903
4	800	1,703
5	1,118	2,821
6	1,470	4,291
7	1,852	6,143
8	2,263	8,406
9	2,700	11,106
10	3,162	14,268
11	3,648	17,916
12	4,157	22,073
13	4,687	26,760
14	5,238	31,998
15	5,809	37,807
16	6,400	44,207
17	7,009	51,216
18	7,637	58,853
19	8,282	67,135
20	8,944	76,079

Picking a curve

Polynomial curves (cost = base × level^power) grow steadily and are easy to reason about. Exponential curves (each level costs a fixed percent more) get steep fast, so keep growth near 1.05 to 1.2 for long games.

The number that matters most is XP per hour. Playtest it, then adjust the base cost until the hours to max level match the length you want.

When to use it

Pacing a whole RPG
Check that the last level arrives near the end of the story rather than halfway through or after it.
Balancing enemy rewards
Once you know the XP per level, set enemy XP so that a level takes the number of fights you want.
Roguelites and battle passes
The same curve works for any progression bar: meta upgrades, weapon mastery or a season pass.