The Trading Routes calculator is a simplified trade-route model used to calculate the profitability of trade routes. For more complex trade networks, it may be necessary to create multiple separate trade routes, because a larger trading empire is often made up of several connected trade flows based on different TT volumes, ships, or market segments.

Trading Route

In the Trading Routes calculator, you first define the trade route volume in TT. By default, this is set to 1 TT. This volume remains the same throughout the entire trade route.

If your trade route splits into different branches and consists of multiple market segments in different regions, you should create multiple separate trade routes.

If the market segments are equal in every region, one trade route is enough:

• Gilden Sea Region (20 TT) -> North Thefna (20 TT) -> Zuharic Steppe (20 TT) -> Gilden Sea Region (20 TT)

If the market segments are different, multiple trade routes are needed:

• Gilden Sea Region (8 TT of 20 TT) -> North Thefna (8 TT) -> Gilden Sea Region (8 TT of 20 TT)
• Gilden Sea Region (12 TT of 20 TT) -> Zuharic Steppe (12 TT) -> Gilden Sea Region (12 TT of 20 TT)

Although a trade route will usually begin and end in the same region, the calculator can also be used to calculate the profitability of a one-way trade route.

Income

The Income table calculates the direct profitability of the trade route based on TT price differences between regions.

It automatically subtracts the starting capital required to purchase the first goods in the Start region. This value is shown in the Start of the Trade Route table as Starting GD Needed.

You can also add custom rows to the Income table, because a voyage may generate additional sources of income, such as:

• passenger ticket sales
• trade bonuses
• other voyage-related earnings

Expenses

The Expenses table is used to add all costs related to the trade route. These costs depend on the merchant’s choices, opportunities, and operating conditions.

Examples include:

• merchant license fees
• port customs duties
• crew wages
• ship maintenance costs
• other travel-related expenses

Profit / Loss

The Profit / Loss table calculates the overall result of the trade route based on Total Income and Total Expenses. This shows whether the route is profitable or loss-making.