DnD 5e Point Buy Calculator
Create your character with the point buy system
Points Remaining
27
/ 27
Strength
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Dexterity
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Constitution
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Intelligence
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Wisdom
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Charisma
8
8
Modifier: -1
Cost: 0 pts
Point Buy System: Start with 27 points. Each ability begins at 8. Increasing a score costs points based on the target value.
Score Costs: 8=0pts, 9=1pt, 10=2pts, 11=3pts, 12=4pts, 13=5pts, 14=7pts, 15=9pts
Racial Bonuses: Select your race to add bonuses to your final scores. These don't cost points!
The DnD 5e Point Buy Calculator is a modern, interactive tool designed to help players efficiently create optimized characters using the point buy system. With this calculator, users can freely adjust starting points, assign values to abilities, and instantly see final scores, modifiers, and racial bonuses—all in a clean, intuitive interface.
Flexibility: Set any starting points between 1–100, enabling custom campaigns or house rules.
Whether you are new to DnD or a veteran player, this guide will help you understand how the point buy system works and how to optimize your character stats efficiently.
What Is the Point Buy 5e?
Point Buy is a system for calculating your character’s ability scores. When your Dungeon Master (DM) asks you to use Point Buy 5e, you get full control over your character’s stats. While more time-consuming than the Standard Array method, Point Buy allows for precise customization of abilities to fit your desired character build.
Standard Array Method
The Standard Array is a pre-determined set of ability scores:
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8
These numbers are ideal configurations for characters, offering a quick alternative to buying each stat individually. If you prefer speed and simplicity over customization, the Standard Array is the fastest way to assign stats.
Rules of DnD Point Buy
When using the point buy system, the following rules apply:
- The first ability score always starts at 8.
- Different numbers above 8 have set point costs.
- You may only spend 27 points to increase ability scores.
- Maximum and minimum scores before racial bonuses are 15 and 8, respectively.
All these rules are automatically enforced by our free DnD 5e calculator.
Ability Score Costs
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | 7 |
| 15 | 9 |
Increasing scores above 15 is not possible through point buy. Racial bonuses are applied after the base score.
Working Criteria of Dnd 5e Point Buy Calculator
All ability scores start at 8 and can never exceed 15 through point buy.
- You may only use 27 points to increase any of the six ability scores.
- Modifiers are calculated automatically using the formula:
- Subtract 10 from the ability score.
- Divide the result by 2.
- Round to the nearest whole number.
Ability Modifiers
| 1 | −5 |
| 2–3 | −4 |
| 4–5 | −3 |
| 6–7 | −2 |
| 8–9 | −1 |
| 10–11 | +0 |
| 12–13 | +1 |
| 14–15 | +2 |
| 16–17 | +3 |
| 18–19 | +4 |
| 20–21 | +5 |
| 22–23 | +6 |
| 24–25 | +7 |
| 26–27 | +8 |
| 28–29 | +9 |
| 30 | +10 |
The calculator computes modifiers automatically for final scores (base + racial bonus).
Six Ability Scores in DnD
DnD characters have six core abilities, representing their strengths and weaknesses:
- Strength (STR): Physical power and carrying capacity.
- Dexterity (DEX): Agility, reflexes, and accuracy.
- Constitution (CON): Health, stamina, and vitality.
- Intelligence (INT): Analytical and reasoning ability.
- Wisdom (WIS): Decision-making and perception.
- Charisma (CHA): Confidence, persuasion, and presence.
All scores can be efficiently assigned using the DnD 5e Point Buy Calculator.
Ability Score Increment from Race
Racial bonuses are applied after base ability scores. This allows you to optimize your character by selecting a race that complements your primary abilities. Using the calculator ensures racial bonuses are applied correctly and prevents errors in total scores.
How the Point Buy Calculator Works
Input
- Select your race from the dropdown.
- Assign a base score to each ability (minimum 8, maximum 15).
- Click Calculate.
Output
The calculator automatically provides:
- Base score
- Racial bonus
- Total score
- Modifier
- Point cost
Racial Bonuses Table
| Human | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 |
| Elf | 0 | +2 | 0 | +1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dwarf | 0 | 0 | +2 | 0 | +1 | 0 |
| Halfling | 0 | +2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +1 |
| Dragonborn | +2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +1 |
| Gnome | 0 | +1 | 0 | +2 | 0 | 0 |
| Half-Elf | 0 | +1 | 0 | +1 | 0 | +2 |
| Half-Orc | +2 | 0 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tiefling | 0 | 0 | 0 | +1 | 0 | +2 |
Tips for Optimal Use
- Prioritize Key Abilities: Focus points on class-specific core stats.
- Monitor Remaining Points: Aim to spend all 27 points efficiently.
- Experiment Freely: Adjust starting points for homebrew campaigns.
- Leverage Racial Bonuses: Pair races with primary abilities for strategic advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is DnD hard to play?
A: Becoming proficient takes practice, but with guides, reference books, and the Point Buy Calculator, learning is much easier.
A: Becoming proficient takes practice, but with guides, reference books, and the Point Buy Calculator, learning is much easier.
Q: How do I DM in DnD?
A: Focus on planning, creativity, and collaboration. Know the rules broadly, create a world for your players, and treat players as partners, not enemies.
A: Focus on planning, creativity, and collaboration. Know the rules broadly, create a world for your players, and treat players as partners, not enemies.
Q: Is the standard array the same as point buy?
A: No. Point Buy is more flexible, letting you distribute a set number of points, whereas the Standard Array is a fixed set of scores.
A: No. Point Buy is more flexible, letting you distribute a set number of points, whereas the Standard Array is a fixed set of scores.
Q: How would I read dice rolls?
A: The first die represents the tens digit, and the second die represents the ones digit. Example: rolling 1 and 5 = 15.
A: The first die represents the tens digit, and the second die represents the ones digit. Example: rolling 1 and 5 = 15.
Q: Can I put all 8s with point buy?
A: No. Using all 8s means zero points spent. You should spend all 27 points for an optimized character.
A: No. Using all 8s means zero points spent. You should spend all 27 points for an optimized character.
Q: Can 27 points buy a 16?
A: No. Base scores cannot exceed 15, but racial bonuses can raise a stat above 15 (maximum 17 in most cases).
A: No. Base scores cannot exceed 15, but racial bonuses can raise a stat above 15 (maximum 17 in most cases).
Q: How to optimize using point buy?
A: Identify your core build → allocate points to core stats → optimize remaining points strategically.
A: Identify your core build → allocate points to core stats → optimize remaining points strategically.
Conclusion
The DnD 5e Point Buy Calculator is a powerful tool for both new and veteran players. It saves time, ensures accuracy, and allows full control over your character’s ability scores. By understanding point buy rules, applying racial bonuses, and optimizing your stats, you can build the perfect character efficiently. Whether for standard campaigns, homebrew adventures, or competitive optimization, this calculator is an essential resource for any DnD player.