I started wondering if there was a way to calculate the estimated cost to max the XP of [Steem Monsters Cards](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate).  The first step, find out how many cards it takes to max XP.

In this post, I will be focusing on Alpha Cards because the calculation to determine the estimated costs is less complex than for Beta Cards.

For the sake of simplicity, I will provide an example from the Fire Splinter, and I will use the lowest, current prices on the [Steem Monsters  Market](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate).

> If you find any errors in my logic, please let me know so that I can make corrections as appropriate.

![l3b0n8f7aw.png](https://img.esteem.ws/l3b0n8f7aw.png)

<h1>Background Information</h1>

Each [Steem Monsters](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate) common card has an experience level of 20 XP.  
- The max XP for a common card is 3000/3000XP.
-  You have to combine **379 ALPHA common cards** to reach max XP. 

Each [Steem Monsters](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate) legendary card has an experience level of 1000 XP.  
- The max XP for a legendary card is 4000/4000XP.
- You have to combine **8  ALPHA legendary cards** to reach the max XP.

<h1>Example - Fire Splinter</h1>

There are 4 common cards in the Fire Splinter:
- Goblin Shaman - $0.16
- Giant Roc - $0.11
- Kobold Miner - $0.14
- Fire Beetle - $0.13

The average low price for an Alpha common card from the Fire Splinter is **$0.135** (as of 11:15 am on November 21, 2018).

The current lowest price for an Element Phoenix (the legendary Fire Splinter card) is **$4.99**.

<h1>The Calculations</h1>

We can determine an estimated cost to level up common and legendary [Steem Monsters Cards](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate) by using the following equations:
- Estimated Total Cost for a Common Card = Average Common Card Cost x 379 Card
   - **$51.17** = $0.135 x 379
- Esimtated Total Cost for a Legendary Card = Actual Lowest Cost x 8
   - **$39.92** = $4.99 x 8  

<h1>The Results</h1>
Was this the result you expected?  In this particular case, with current  [Steem Monsters Market Prices](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate), it is cheaper to max out a legendary card.

If you are reading this post in the future, there are some variables you should consider:
- Remember that these calculations are based on alpha cards- the first release.
- You can rerun the calculations at any time with current, updated market prices.
- These calculations should work as long as there are no significant changes to the values of XP levels.  The original XP values were multiplied by 10 achieve the current values.  As long as all of the values are multiplied by the same factor, these equations should work.


<h1>Final Thoughts</h1>
- Always remember to protect your Steem Keys, as they provide you access to both your  [Steem Monsters Account](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate) and your Steem blog.
- Never invest money that you are not able to lose.  
- The images used in this post are the property of [Steem Monsters](https://steemmonsters.com?ref=sumatranate) and used with permission.
- **How did I determine the number of cards required to max XP?**  A special thanks to @oliverschmid for [this post](https://steemit.com/steemmonsters/@oliverschmid/steem-monsters-tutorial-how-to-level-up-your-cards).