Elden Ring Weapon Scaling & Attack Power (AR) Calculation Guide (2026)
💡 Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Weapon Scaling Letter Grades
In Elden Ring, total Attack Power (AR) is calculated by adding Base Damage to Scaling Bonus Damage. Scaling Letter Grades (S to E) map directly to internal numerical scaling coefficients multiplied by your attribute soft cap curve percentage.
| Scaling Grade | Coefficient Multiplier Range | Best Affinities | Primary Stat Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade S | 140% – 200%+ | Heavy, Keen, Occult, Magic | Single-Stat Focus (80 Cap) |
| Grade A | 100% – 139% | Heavy, Keen, Sacred, Flame Art | Single-Stat Focus (60–80 Cap) |
| Grade B | 75% – 99% | Quality, Cold, Blood | Hybrid Stat Split (50/50) |
| Grade C | 45% – 74% | Standard Infusion, Poison | Baseline Stat Requirements |
| Grade D / E | 1% – 44% | Uninfused Weapons | Minimal Damage Impact |
1. The Exact Elden Ring AR Calculation Formula
Total Attack Power equals Base Damage plus Scaling Damage across all attributes (Str, Dex, Int, Fai, Arc).
AR_Total = Base_Damage + ∑ (Base_Damage × Scaling_Coefficient × Stat_Curve_%)
To optimize your build, pair this scaling math with our detailed Elden Ring Stat Soft Caps Manual to ensure you hit key thresholds (50 and 80 Strength/Dexterity).
2. Comparing Weapon Affinities: Heavy vs Keen vs Quality vs Occult
Whetblades allow you to customize weapon scaling to match your attribute investment.
- Heavy Infusion: Removes Dexterity scaling, boosting Strength scaling to Grade A/S. Gain 1.5x effective Strength when two-handing.
- Keen Infusion: Maximizes Dexterity scaling up to Grade S while reducing base physical damage slightly.
- Quality Infusion: Splits scaling evenly between Strength and Dexterity (best at 50/50 split).
- Occult Infusion: Boosts physical damage scaling with Arcane while increasing passive Bleed/Poison buildup.