How point buy works
Every ability score starts at 8. You have 27 points to raise them, up to 15 each, before any bonuses. Higher scores cost more:
- 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 cost 1 point more each (13 costs 5 in total).
- 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9, so the last two steps cost 2 points each.
Use the + and − buttons until 0 of 27 points left, then add your bonuses. The final score and its modifier update straight away.
2024 rules: background bonuses
In the 2024 rules your character's background raises your scores: +2 to one score and +1 to another, or +1 to three different scores, chosen from the abilities your background lists. Choose 2024 rules and set the bonuses; the calculator warns you if the mix does not match either option.
2014 rules: race bonuses
In the 2014 rules the bonuses come from your race and subrace instead, and they differ from race to race. Choose Custom bonuses and set the bonus for each ability from your race's description.
The standard array
Prefer not to count points? The standard array gives 15, 14, 13, 12, 10 and 8 to place where you like. Its total cost is exactly 27 points, so it is one of the possible point buy spreads. Press Use standard array, then move scores around with the buttons.
Want to roll instead? Use the D&D dice roller and roll 4d6, dropping the lowest, six times. Need a name too? Try the D&D name generator.
This page uses game rules from the System Reference Document 5.1 and 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, available at dndbeyond.com/srd, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Wheel Mango is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast. Dungeons & Dragons and D&D are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC.
Questions
How many points do you get in point buy?
27 points. Every score starts at 8 and can be bought up to 15 before bonuses.
How much does each score cost?
8 costs 0, 9 costs 1, 10 costs 2, 11 costs 3, 12 costs 4, 13 costs 5, 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9 points.
Can I buy a score higher than 15?
Not with points. Bonuses from your background (2024 rules) or race (2014 rules) are added afterwards, so a 15 can become a 16 or 17.
How do I work out a modifier?
Subtract 10 from the score, divide by 2 and round down. A 16 gives +3, a 10 or 11 gives +0 and an 8 gives -1. The calculator shows it for you.
Can my group use a different budget?
Yes. Change the points budget if your table uses house rules, for example 30 or 32 points.