Dungeons & Dragons
Point-buy
Spend your points across the six ability scores. Bonus = your species bonus (2014) or background bonus (2024). Tweak the rules under Advanced.
| Ability | Base | Bonus | Total | Cost | Mod |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 | |
| Dexterity | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 | |
| Constitution | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 | |
| Intelligence | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 | |
| Wisdom | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 | |
| Charisma | 8 | 8 | 0 | −1 |
Advanced - custom rules
Cost per score
Standard 5e uses scores 8-15 with 27 points and the costs above. Scores 3-7 and 16-18, a widened range, or any edited cost are a non-standard homebrew extension.
How it works
The point-buy calculator helps you build a balanced character without rolling. You start with a pool of points and spend them across the six ability scores; each increase costs more as the score climbs, and the tracker keeps a running total so you never overspend.
As you assign scores it shows the cost and the resulting modifier for each ability, so you can weigh a 15 in your main stat against rounding out your defenses. It is the standard, fair way to create a character that fits alongside the rest of the party.
Example. With the standard 27-point budget, a 15 costs 9 points, a 14 costs 7, and an 8 costs nothing. A common martial spread is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8, which spends exactly 27.
FAQ
How many points do I get?
The standard budget is 27 points, with scores from 8 to 15 before any species or background bonus. The tool also supports custom totals if your table uses a house rule.
Why does a 15 cost more than a 14?
Point-buy uses an escalating cost so high scores are expensive: 9 to 13 cost one point per step, but 14 and 15 cost two points per step. This discourages dumping everything into one stat.
Do species or background bonuses count here?
Point-buy covers the base scores only. Add any species bonus (2014) or background bonus (2024) afterward on your character sheet, since those do not come out of the point budget.
Is point buy better than rolling for stats?
It is a different trade-off. Rolling 4d6 can produce heroic or miserable arrays, while point buy guarantees every player builds from the same fair budget, which keeps the party balanced. Many tables use point buy for organised play and rolling for the thrill at home; this calculator covers the former.