DPS Input Form
Example Data Table
| Setup | Damage | Weapons | Rate | Accuracy | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dual laser repeater | 32 | 2 | 600 | 82% | Balanced sustained fire |
| Ballistic cannon pair | 95 | 2 | 180 | 74% | High alpha pressure |
| Scatter weapon group | 18 | 4 | 220 | 65% | Close range burst |
Formula Used
Base volley damage = damage per hit × pellets × weapon count.
Critical factor = 1 + critical chance × (critical multiplier - 1).
Adjusted volley damage = base volley damage × accuracy × critical factor × falloff × damage modifier × resistance factor.
Burst DPS = adjusted volley damage × shots per second.
Sustained DPS = magazine damage ÷ total cycle time.
Total cycle time = time to empty magazine + reload time + heat downtime.
Target defeat time estimates shield break time plus hull break time.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the weapon name or loadout label.
- Add damage, pellet count, mounted weapons, and fire rate.
- Enter magazine size, reload time, and heat downtime.
- Adjust accuracy, critical chance, falloff, and resistance.
- Add target shield, hull, and shield regeneration values.
- Press the calculate button to view results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save the final report.
Advanced DPS Planning for Star Citizen
Why Damage Per Second Matters
A Star Citizen DPS calculator helps compare ship weapons with care. Raw damage alone can mislead pilots. A slow cannon may hit hard. A repeater may win through steady pressure. This tool separates burst damage from sustained damage. That makes each build easier to judge.
Loadout Accuracy
Real combat rarely gives perfect aim. Targets move, shields recover, and range changes fast. The accuracy field reduces ideal damage into practical damage. Use a lower value for agile enemies. Use a higher value for large or slow targets.
Reloads and Heat
Reload time and heat downtime change long fights. Burst DPS shows short pressure. Sustained DPS shows repeated combat cycles. This is useful when testing ballistic setups, energy weapons, and mixed groups. A weapon with great burst may lose value after downtime.
Target Resistance
Resistance lowers final applied damage. The calculator applies this after range, accuracy, and critical factors. This creates a more useful estimate than simple paper damage. Add shield regeneration to test whether a setup can break defense.
Engagement Window
The engagement timer estimates damage during a chosen fight length. Short windows favor burst builds. Long windows favor reliable cycling. This helps pilots compare bounty, arena, escort, or support roles. Change one value at a time for clearer results.
Best Use
Use the calculator as a planning tool, not a perfect combat promise. Game balance, server state, pilot skill, and weapon behavior can shift results. Still, the output gives a strong baseline. It helps you compare loadouts before spending time or credits.
FAQs
What does burst DPS mean?
Burst DPS is damage during active firing only. It does not include reloads, cooling, or other downtime.
What does sustained DPS mean?
Sustained DPS includes the full firing cycle. It counts magazine time, reload time, and heat downtime.
Why is accuracy included?
Accuracy makes the estimate more realistic. It lowers damage when shots miss, spread, or fail to land fully.
How does target resistance work?
Target resistance reduces applied damage. A resistance of 20 percent means only 80 percent of adjusted damage applies.
Can I compare multiple weapons?
Yes. Change the weapon count, damage, rate, and magazine values. Then compare the exported results.
Why include shield regeneration?
Shield regeneration can offset incoming damage. If regeneration exceeds shield damage, the target may not break.
Is this exact for every fight?
No. It is a planning estimate. Range, movement, balance changes, and pilot skill affect real outcomes.
Can I save my calculation?
Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet data. Use the PDF button for a readable report.