Point Buy Calculator 5e
This point buy calculator for D&D 5e lets you spend your 27 points on six ability scores, then add 2024 background or 2014 race bonuses to see final scores and modifiers instantly. Free, no sign-up.
Points remaining
27 / 27
27 points unspent. That is allowed, but the points are lost.
- STR80 pt+210+0
- DEX80 pt+19-1
- CON80 pt–8-1
- INT80 pt–8-1
- WIS80 pt–8-1
- CHA80 pt–8-1
Sum of modifiers: -5 (the standard array alone gives +5 with no bonuses). Scores cap at 20 after bonuses.
Quick builds (each costs exactly 27 points)
Presets fill STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA in that order. Adjust any score afterwards.
Ability score increases
In the 2024 rules your background lists three abilities; pick +2/+1 or +1/+1/+1 among them. Choose only abilities your background offers.
In short
A 5e point buy calculator tracks the 27 points you spend on ability scores. Every score starts at 8 and can be raised to 15, with costs of 1 point per step up to 13, then 2 per step for 14 and 15. This tool shows your remaining points, adds 2024 background or 2014 race bonuses, and prints each final score and modifier. It is free and needs no sign-up.
The point buy rules in plain words
In D&D 5e, point buy is the method of building a character without rolling dice. You have 27 points. All six scores start at 8, and you may raise any score to at most 15 before bonuses. The cost rises as the score gets higher: one point per step up to 13, and two points per step after that. Once you have spent your points, you add the bonuses from your background or race, and the modifier follows from the final score: subtract 10, divide by 2 and round down.
Point buy cost table
| Base score | Total cost | Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 points | -1 |
| 9 | 1 point | -1 |
| 10 | 2 points | +0 |
| 11 | 3 points | +0 |
| 12 | 4 points | +1 |
| 13 | 5 points | +1 |
| 14 | 7 points | +2 |
| 15 | 9 points | +2 |
2024 background bonuses vs 2014 race bonuses
Under the 2014 rules your race sets the bonus: a mountain dwarf adds +2 Strength and +2 Constitution, a lightfoot halfling +2 Dexterity and +1 Charisma, and a human +1 to everything. Under the 2024 rules species no longer give ability scores. Instead your background names three abilities, and you add +2 to one and +1 to another, or +1 to all three. The calculator lets you pick which scores get the bonus; if your background only offers three abilities, choose among those. No final score can exceed 20.
How to spend 27 points
- One or two big scores: a 15 in your main ability is great, and the bonus often takes it to 17.
- Always check Constitution: it feeds your hit points, so even casters like a 13 or 14.
- Even numbers are efficient: a 15 gives the same +2 as a 14 but costs 2 more points, so many builds use 14.
- Dump with purpose: an 8 gives −1 and frees up points; choose the stat your character least needs.
- Pick a build and adjust: the presets are all legal 27-point builds you can start from.
Next steps for your character
Once your scores are set, give your hero a name with the D&D name generator, or browse the fantasy name generator and character name generator for more ideas. If your table prefers rolling to buying, the dice roller can roll 4d6 and drop the lowest.
Frequently asked questions
How does point buy work in D&D 5e?
You get 27 points to spend. All six ability scores start at 8, and you raise them one step at a time, up to a maximum of 15 before bonuses. Each step costs 1 point up to 13; going from 13 to 14 costs 2 more, and from 14 to 15 another 2. Your background (2024) or race (2014) bonuses are added afterwards.
What does each score cost in point buy?
The total cost from a base of 8 is: 8 = 0, 9 = 1, 10 = 2, 11 = 3, 12 = 4, 13 = 5, 14 = 7 and 15 = 9 points. A 15 costs 9 points, so three 15s use all 27 points and leave the other three scores at 8.
Can I use fewer than 27 points?
Yes, you can leave points unspent, but there is no reward for saving them, so most players spend every point. This calculator tells you when you are over budget and shows how many points are left.
Is the point buy the same in the 2024 and 2014 rules?
The 27-point budget and the cost table are identical. What changed is where the bonuses come from: in the 2014 rules your race adds to scores, while in the 2024 rules your background lets you add +2 to one ability and +1 to another, or +1 to three. Either way no score may go above 20.
Is the standard array better than point buy?
The standard array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) costs exactly 27 points, so it is one of the legal point buy builds. Point buy is more flexible: you can choose, for example, 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8, or an even spread like 13, 13, 13, 12, 12, 12. Use the preset buttons above to compare them.
What is the best point buy for my class?
Put the biggest score in your class's main ability (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma depending on the class), then put your next-best score in Constitution for hit points. A score of 8 in a stat you will rarely use is a fair trade. The Fighter, Rogue, Wizard and Cleric presets show four typical spreads.
Related tools: D&D name generator · Dice roller · Fantasy name generator · Character name generator
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