Skyrim Alchemy Calculator
Master the art of potion-making and poison crafting in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Alchemy Ingredient Combiner
Discover potential potion effects by combining three ingredients. Enter the effects you desire to see which ingredients might yield them.
Ingredient Effect Chart
A quick reference for common ingredient effects in Skyrim. This chart helps identify ingredients with desired effects.
| Ingredient | Effect 1 | Effect 2 | Effect 3 | Effect 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly | Damage Stamina | Invisibility | Fortify Destruction | Rune Damage Magicka |
| Giant's Toe | Fortify Health | Fortify Restoration | Damage Stamina | Slow |
| Blue Dartwing | Fortify Archery | Damage Magicka | Weakness to Poison | Fortify Health |
| Wheat | Restore Health | Fortify Health | Damage Magicka Regeneratio | Slow |
| Creep Cluster | Fortify Carry Weight | Damage Health Regeneratio | Restore Stamina | Damage Magicka |
| Mora Tapinella | Fortify Enchanting | Damage Magicka | Restore Stamina | Paralysis |
| Scaly Pholiota | Fortify Heavy Armor | Damage Stamina | Restore Stamina | Paralysis |
| Deathbell | Damage Health | Paralysis | Weakness to Poison | Fortify Destruction |
| Canis Root | Fortify Archery | Damage Stamina | Paralysis | Fortify One-Handed |
| Hanging Moss | Restore Health | Fortify Destruction | Damage Magicka | Regenerate Magicka |
| Dragon's Tongue | Fortify Destruction | Resist Fire | Damage Magicka | Weakness to Frost |
| Elves Ear | Resist Frost | Fortify Destruction | Fortify Magicka | Magic Resistance |
| Frost Salts | Restore Magicka | Resist Fire | Damage Magicka | Weakness to Fire |
| Fire Salts | Restore Magicka | Resist Frost | Damage Magicka | Weakness to Frost |
| Garlic | Resist Magic | Regenerate Stamina | Damage Health | Turn Undead |
| Honeycomb | Resist Poison | Fortify Destruction | Damage Magicka | Regenerate Magicka |
| Ice Wraith Teeth | Resist Frost | Fortify Magicka | Damage Health | Fear |
| Juniper Berries | Fortify Archery | Resist Fire | Damage Stamina | Damage Health |
| Luna Moth Wing | Fortify Illusion | Invisibility | Fortify Magicka | Regenerate Health |
| Namira's Rot | Damage Magicka | Fear | Fortify Illusion | Paralysis |
| Nightshade | Damage Health | Fortify Archery | Damage Magicka | Weakness to Magic |
| Purple Mountain Flower | Fortify Health | Fortify Destruction | Resist Magic | Fortify Magicka |
| River Betty | Damage Health | Fortify Magicka | Waterbreathing | Resist Shock |
| Scribble of the Moth | Fortify Illusion | Damage Magicka | Restore Stamina | Regenerate Magicka |
| Silverside Perch | Fortify Magicka | Waterbreathing | Regenerate Health | Fortify Light Armor |
| Slyph Dust | Fortify Illusion | Fear | Regenerate Magicka | Invisibility |
| Snowberries | Resist Frost | Fortify Destruction | Damage Stamina | Fortify Archery |
| Spider Egg | Damage Health | Fortify One-Handed | Damage Stamina | Invisibility |
| Thistle Branch | Damage Health | Fortify Heavy Armor | Damage Magicka | Damage Stamina |
| Void Salts | Resist Magic | Damage Magicka | Restore Magicka | Fortify Destruction |
| White Cap | Damage Health | Fortify Illusion | Damage Stamina | Paralysis |
| Wisp Wrappings | Fortify Magicka | Resist Shock | Regenerate Magicka | Fear |
| Ancestor Moth Wing | Fortify Illusion | Fortify Magicka | Regenerate Health | Invisibility |
| Bee | Restore Stamina | Fortify Destruction | Fortify Health | Regenerate Stamina |
| Chaurus Eggs | Damage Health | Fortify Magicka | Lingering Damage Stamina | Weakness to Magic |
| Crimson Nirnroot | Damage Health | Damage Magicka | Damage Stamina | Damage Health Regeneratio |
| Ectoplasm | Restore Magicka | Fortify Destruction | Damage Magicka | Fortify Health |
| Falmer Ear | Damage Health | Fortify Destruction | Cure Disease | Fear |
| Fly Amanita | Damage Stamina | Fortify Heavy Armor | Resist Fire | Cure Disease |
| Glow Dust | Damage Magicka | Fortify Destruction | Restore Health | Invisibility |
| Human Flesh | Damage Health | Fortify Heavy Armor | Cure Disease | Fear |
| Imp Stool | Damage Health | Paralysis | Cure Disease | Slow |
| Mandrake Root | Damage Health | Damage Magicka | Cure Disease | Fortify Illusion |
| Misty Forest Mushroom | Damage Health | Fortify Heavy Armor | Cure Disease | Fear |
| Mushroom | Damage Health | Cure Disease | Fortify Illusion | Fortify Heavy Armor |
| Namira's Rot | Damage Magicka | Fear | Fortify Illusion | Paralysis |
| Ogre's Teeth | Damage Health | Fortify Heavy Armor | Cure Disease | Fear |
| Pearl | Restore Magicka | Fortify Restoration | Waterbreathing | Regenerate Magicka |
| Pine Thrush Egg | Fortify Lockpicking | Damage Stamina | Fortify Destruction | Fear |
| Purple Mountain Flower | Fortify Health | Fortify Destruction | Resist Magic | Fortify Magicka |
| Salt Pile | Restore Health | Restore Magicka | Restore Stamina | Cure Disease |
| Scaly Pholiota | Fortify Heavy Armor | Damage Stamina | Restore Stamina | Paralysis |
| Slaughterfish Egg | Damage Health | Fortify Destruction | Lingering Damage Health | Restore Health |
| Slaughterfish Scales | Resist Poison | Fortify Destruction | Fortify Restoration | Damage Health |
| Snake Venom | Damage Health | Damage Stamina | Lingering Damage Health | Weakness to Poison |
| Tundra Cotton | Fortify Magicka | Fortify Restoration | Weakness to Magic | Resist Magic |
| Vile Fungus | Damage Health | Cure Disease | Fortify Illusion | Fortify Heavy Armor |
| Void Salts | Resist Magic | Damage Magicka | Restore Magicka | Fortify Destruction |
| Wheat | Restore Health | Fortify Health | Damage Magicka Regeneratio | Slow |
| White Cap | Damage Health | Fortify Illusion | Damage Stamina | Paralysis |
| Wisp Wrappings | Fortify Magicka | Resist Shock | Regenerate Magicka | Fear |
Chart of Potion Values by Strength
What is the Skyrim Alchemy Calculator?
The Skyrim Alchemy Calculator is an indispensable tool for any aspiring alchemist in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It helps players systematically discover and create the most potent and valuable potions and poisons by analyzing ingredient combinations. Whether you're looking to create powerful buffs for combat, essential restoration draughts, or deadly toxins for stealth attacks, this calculator streamlines the process of experimentation and mastery in the alchemy system. It takes into account your character's current Alchemy skill level, learned perks, and any magical bonuses from enchanted gear to provide realistic estimates of potion strength and value.
This tool is designed for all Skyrim players, from beginners just starting their alchemical journey to seasoned veterans seeking to optimize their potion-making efficiency. Understanding ingredient effects and how they interact is crucial for success, and the calculator demystifies this complex system. It also helps players avoid common misunderstandings, such as assuming all ingredients share effects or that simply combining any three ingredients will yield a high-value potion.
Skyrim Alchemy Calculator Formula and Explanation
The core of the Skyrim Alchemy Calculator relies on a formula that estimates the strength and value of a potion based on several key factors:
The Formula
Estimated Potion Value = Base Potion Strength * Final Multiplier
Where:
- Base Potion Strength is determined by the combined potency of the chosen ingredient effects and the number of effects present. Generally, the more beneficial effects an ingredient has, the higher the base strength.
- Final Multiplier is a combination of several factors:
- Alchemy Skill: A higher Alchemy skill directly increases potion effectiveness.
- Perks: Specific perks like "Alchemist" (each rank increasing potency) and "Physician" (increasing all restorative potions) significantly boost strength. "Benefactor" further enhances beneficial potions.
- Enchantments: Bonuses from "Fortify Alchemy" enchantments on gear (head, neck, hands, ring) multiply the potion's strength.
Variable Explanations
The calculator uses the following variables and concepts:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit / Type | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alchemy Skill Level | Your character's current level in the Alchemy skill. | Unitless (0-100) | 0-100 |
| Selected Perks | The numerical value representing the strength bonus from chosen Alchemy perks (e.g., Alchemist 5/5, Physician, Benefactor). | Multiplier (0.0 to ~1.0+) | Values are derived from perk effectiveness (e.g., Alchemist 5/5 adds +100%, Physician adds +25% to restore/cure, Benefactor adds +25% to all beneficial effects). |
| Fortify Alchemy Bonus (%) | The total percentage bonus from enchanted gear. | Percentage (0-1000+) | Can reach very high values with optimal enchanting. |
| Base Potion Strength | An internal value representing the inherent potency of the chosen effects. | Unitless (Base Value) | Calculated based on effect combinations. |
| Final Multiplier | The cumulative multiplier applied to the base strength, derived from skill, perks, and enchantments. | Multiplier (e.g., 1.5x, 2.0x) | Highly variable, can be significantly boosted. |
| Estimated Potion Value | An approximation of the gold value the created potion would fetch. | Gold (Septims) | Highly dependent on the factors above. |
Practical Examples
Let's illustrate with a couple of scenarios:
Example 1: High-Value Restore Health Potion
- Inputs:
- Desired Effects: Restore Health, Fortify Health, Fortify Restoration, Cure Disease
- Alchemy Level: 100
- Perks: Alchemist 5/5, Physician, Benefactor
- Fortify Alchemy Bonus: 100% (from gear)
- Calculation:
- The combination of Giant's Toe, Wheat, and Blue Dartwing (or other suitable ingredients) can yield Restore Health, Fortify Health, Damage Stamina, and Slow. If we focus on a combo with Restore Health, Fortify Health, and Fortify Restoration (e.g., Giant's Toe, Purple Mountain Flower, Wheat), we can achieve powerful restorative effects.
- With max skill, all relevant perks, and 100% enchantment bonus, the final multiplier will be extremely high.
- Results:
- Primary Effect: Restore Health
- Strength Multiplier: Potentially 3.0x or higher (due to perks and enchantments)
- Estimated Value: Several hundred to over a thousand Septims per potion.
Example 2: Potent Invisibility Poison
- Inputs:
- Desired Effects: Invisibility, Damage Health, Paralysis
- Alchemy Level: 50
- Perks: Alchemist 3/5, Poisoner 2/2 (if using poisons)
- Fortify Alchemy Bonus: 40%
- Calculation:
- Ingredients like Deathbell (Damage Health, Paralysis, Weakness to Poison, Fortify Destruction) combined with Vampire Dust (Invisibility, Restore Magicka, Fortify Magicka, Damage Health) and Canis Root (Fortify Archery, Damage Stamina, Paralysis, Fortify One-Handed) can create potent poisons. A suitable combination for Invisibility, Damage Health, and Paralysis might involve ingredients like Deathbell, Vampire Dust, and Spider Egg.
- The strength will be moderate due to the skill level and enchantment bonus.
- Results:
- Primary Effect: Invisibility
- Strength Multiplier: Around 1.7x
- Estimated Value: Potentially 150-300 Septims per poison, depending on exact ingredient synergy.
How to Use This Skyrim Alchemy Calculator
- Identify Desired Effects: Decide what you want your potion or poison to do. You can select up to three effects from the dropdown menus. The calculator will suggest ingredients that share these effects.
- Enter Your Stats: Input your current Alchemy skill level (0-100).
- Select Perks: Choose the relevant Alchemy perks you have invested in. Select "None" if you haven't taken any perks. For percentage bonuses like "Physician" or "Benefactor," select them from the dropdown.
- Add Enchantment Bonus: Enter the total percentage bonus from all your "Fortify Alchemy" enchanted gear. If you don't have any, leave it at 0.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Potion" button.
- Interpret Results: The calculator will display the primary effect, estimated strength multiplier, and the likely value of the potion. It also shows intermediate values like base strength and the combined multiplier from your stats and gear.
- Use the Ingredient Chart: Refer to the table to find specific ingredients that possess the effects you desire.
- Experiment: Use the knowledge gained to experiment in-game. Remember that not all ingredients have all four effects, and discovering effects is part of the gameplay.
Selecting Correct Units: For this calculator, all values are unitless or based on game mechanics. The "strength multiplier" and "estimated value" are relative indicators within the game's system, not absolute currency units until translated back into Septims.
Interpreting Results: A higher strength multiplier means a more potent potion (more health restored, longer duration, stronger buff, or more damage). A higher estimated value means the potion will sell for more gold. Use this to prioritize which potions to craft for profit or effectiveness.
Key Factors That Affect Skyrim Alchemy Results
- Alchemy Skill Level: This is the most fundamental factor. Higher skill directly increases the magnitude and duration of potion effects and their value.
- Alchemy Perks: Investing in the Alchemy perk tree is crucial. "Alchemist" increases potency, "Physician" boosts restorative potions, "Benefactor" enhances beneficial potions, and "Poisoner" boosts poisons.
- Fortify Alchemy Enchantments: Gear enchanted with "Fortify Alchemy" provides a multiplicative bonus to potion strength, dramatically increasing effectiveness and value. Combining multiple pieces amplifies this effect significantly.
- Ingredient Synergy: The specific combination of ingredients matters. Some combinations are more valuable or potent than others, especially when aiming for specific effects or maximizing multiple effects.
- Number of Effects: Potions can have up to four effects. While the calculator focuses on the primary discovered effect, combinations that allow for multiple beneficial effects (like Restore Health + Fortify Health) are often highly valuable.
- Potion vs. Poison: The system treats beneficial effects (buffs, restoration) and detrimental effects (damage, debuffs) differently in terms of value and strength calculation, especially when perks like Physician and Benefactor are involved.
- Unique Ingredient Properties: Some ingredients have inherent strengths or weaknesses in their effects, influencing the final outcome. For example, Giant's Toe is famously potent for Fortify Health.
- Dragonborn DLC Effects: The Dragonborn DLC introduced new ingredients and effects, expanding the possibilities within the alchemy system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best ingredients for potions in Skyrim?
Some of the most potent ingredients include Giant's Toe (for Fortify Health), Blue Dartwing (for Fortify Archery), Mora Tapinella (for Fortify Enchanting), and Creep Cluster (for Fortify Carry Weight). However, "best" depends on the desired effect. Combining ingredients with multiple desirable effects is key.
How many effects can a potion have?
A potion can have up to four effects. You discover these effects by consuming ingredients or by combining ingredients that share effects. The calculator helps you target combinations that yield specific effects.
Do I need to know all the effects of an ingredient?
No, you don't need to know all the effects beforehand. The calculator can help you discover potential combinations even if you only know one or two effects of an ingredient. Experimentation in-game is encouraged!
How do I get the highest value potions?
To get the highest value potions, focus on maximizing your Alchemy skill (to 100), investing in all relevant Alchemy perks (especially Alchemist 5/5, Physician, Benefactor), and equipping gear with the highest possible Fortify Alchemy enchantments. Combinations like Giant's Toe + Wheat + Creep Cluster can yield very valuable potions.
What's the difference between a potion and a poison in Skyrim?
Potions typically have beneficial effects (restoration, buffs), while poisons have detrimental effects (damage, debuffs). While the calculation mechanics are similar, certain perks (like Physician and Benefactor for potions, Poisoner for poisons) specialize in one type or the other, affecting their final potency and value.
How does the Fortify Alchemy enchantment work?
The Fortify Alchemy enchantment, found on head, neck, hands, and ring slots, directly increases the strength of any potion you brew. The percentage bonus from all equipped items is added together and then applied as a multiplier to the potion's base strength.
Is there a limit to how high Alchemy skill can go?
The base Alchemy skill caps at 100. However, through the effects of crafted potions (like Fortify Alchemy potions), you can temporarily boost your skill far beyond 100, allowing for the creation of extremely powerful gear and consumables.
How do I learn ingredient effects?
There are four primary ways to learn ingredient effects: 1. Eating an ingredient (discovers the first unknown effect). 2. Using the ingredient in an experiment at an Alchemy Lab (discovers one unknown effect if ingredients share one). 3. Finding effects written in ingredient descriptions. 4. Reading Skill Books related to Alchemy.
Does the order of ingredients matter?
The order in which you combine ingredients at an Alchemy Lab does not affect the outcome. The game analyzes all three ingredients simultaneously to determine the resulting potion's effects and potency.