Ultimate 5e Point Buy Calculator

? Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) 5e Point Buy Calculator? ?

Yes! This tool is specifically designed for calculating ability scores using the standard Point Buy rules found in the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Player's Handbook.

What are the official Point Buy rules in 5th Edition? ?

The standard rules give you 27 points to spend. All scores start at 8 (costing 0 points). You can increase scores up to a maximum of 15 *before* adding racial bonuses. The costs are: 9 (1pt), 10 (2pts), 11 (3pts), 12 (4pts), 13 (5pts), 14 (7pts), 15 (9pts). You cannot lower a score below 8 using this method.

Can I get a score higher than 15 with point buy? ?

Using *only* the points you spend, the maximum base score you can buy is 15. However, after you finish spending points, you add your racial bonuses. These bonuses *can* push your final starting score above 15 (e.g., a base 15 Strength plus a +2 racial bonus results in a starting Strength of 17).

What's the difference between this calculator and rolling stats? ?

Point buy (what this calculator uses) gives you a set budget (27 points) for balanced, predictable, and customizable scores between 8 and 15. Rolling stats involves dice rolls (like 4d6 drop lowest) which are random and can result in very high or very low scores, potentially leading to unbalanced characters or parties.

How does this calculator handle racial bonuses? ?

When you select a race from the dropdown menu, the calculator automatically finds the standard ability score bonuses for that race (e.g., +2 CON, +1 WIS for Hill Dwarf) and adds them to your base scores to show the final total score for each ability.

How do the Build Templates work? ?

The Build Templates provide quick starting points for common character types. Clicking a template button (after confirming) will automatically set the ability scores, select the corresponding race, and select the corresponding class in the calculator, using the standard 27 point buy budget.

Is this tool official? ?

No, 5eCalc Pro is an unofficial fan-made tool created under Wizards of the Coast's Fan Content Policy. It is not endorsed or approved by Wizards. All Dungeons & Dragons content is property of Wizards of the Coast LLC.

? Optimization Guides

Getting Started with the 5e Point Buy Calculator

Welcome! Point buy is a popular way to create Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition characters because it offers balance and control compared to rolling dice. This calculator makes the process easy. Here's how to use it:

1. Adjust Scores: Use the + and - buttons next to each ability score (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA) or type directly into the number box. The standard point buy range is 8 (costing 0 points) to 15 (costing 9 points).
2. Watch Your Points: Keep an eye on the "Points Remaining" display. You start with 27 points in the standard system. As you increase scores, points are spent; as you decrease them, points are returned. You can't spend more than 27 points!
3. Select Race: Choose your character's race from the dropdown menu. The calculator automatically shows the racial ability score bonuses and adds them to your base scores to show the "Total Score".
4. Select Class (Optional): Choosing a class helps the calculator provide tailored recommendations in the "Build Analysis" box below the scores. It will suggest if your primary stats seem low for that class.
5. Use Templates (Optional): Need a quick start? The "Build Templates" section offers pre-filled scores and race/class combos for common character types. Clicking one will load its data (it will ask for confirmation first).
6. Check Analysis: The "Build Analysis" box gives feedback on your point spending and, if you selected a class, offers basic advice on your stat choices.
7. Manage Your Build: Your current scores are saved automatically in your browser. Use the "Export JSON" button to save your build to a file, and "Import JSON" to load a previously saved file. "Reset" clears everything back to default.

Point Buy vs. Standard Array vs. Rolling

Why choose point buy?

• Point Buy (This Calculator): Offers balance and customization. You decide exactly where your strengths and weaknesses lie within a fair budget (27 points). Great for players who want control. Keywords: point buy calculator 5e, 5e point buy rules.
• Standard Array: Uses a fixed set of scores (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) that you assign to your abilities. It's balanced and simple, but less customizable than point buy.
• Rolling: Typically involves rolling dice (like 4d6 and dropping the lowest roll) for each stat. Can result in very high or very low scores. It's random and can be exciting, but often leads to unbalanced characters.

Point buy strikes a middle ground, ensuring characters are viable and reasonably balanced while still allowing meaningful choices.

(Suggestion: Add more guides here over time, like specific class strategies or explaining point costs in detail)

? Further Details & Considerations

Understanding Your Ability Scores

Your six ability scores are the foundation of your D&D character, influencing nearly everything they do. Here's a quick rundown:

• Strength (STR): Represents physical power. Affects melee attacks (using weapons like swords, axes, maces), carrying capacity, and skills like Athletics (jumping, climbing, grappling).
• Dexterity (DEX): Measures agility, reflexes, and balance. Affects ranged attacks (bows, crossbows), finesse melee attacks (rapiers, daggers), Armor Class (AC) for light/medium armor, initiative (acting order in combat), and skills like Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, and Stealth.
• Constitution (CON): Represents health and endurance. Directly impacts your Hit Points (HP) and is used for Concentration saving throws (important for spellcasters maintaining spells). There are no skills tied directly to CON, but it's vital for survival!
• Intelligence (INT): Measures reasoning, memory, and analytical skill. It's the key score for Wizards and Artificers, affecting their spellcasting. Also governs skills like Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, and Religion.
• Wisdom (WIS): Represents perception, intuition, and willpower. It's the primary spellcasting score for Clerics, Druids, and Rangers. Governs crucial skills like Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, and Survival.
• Charisma (CHA): Measures force of personality, persuasiveness, and leadership. It's the spellcasting score for Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks. Also affects social skills like Deception, Intimidation, Performance, and Persuasion.

Ability Score Modifiers: The number next to the score (e.g., +1, +2, -1) is the modifier, which is what you usually add to dice rolls (attacks, saves, skill checks). It's calculated as (Score - 10) / 2, rounded down. So, a score of 10 or 11 gives a +0 modifier, 12 or 13 gives +1, 14 or 15 gives +2, and so on. An 8 or 9 gives a -1 modifier.

Racial Bonuses: Remember, the bonuses from your chosen race (like a Dwarf's +2 CON) are added after you finish spending your points. This means your final score can go above the normal point buy maximum of 15. For example, buying a 15 STR and playing a Half-Orc (+2 STR) gives you a starting STR of 17!

Beyond the Numbers: Don't forget skills and backgrounds! Choose skills that match your high ability scores and your character concept. Your background also provides skills and equipment, adding flavor and utility beyond just your stats. A high-Strength character might still be clumsy if they don't take the Athletics skill proficiency!