Expert Reviewed by: David Chen, RPG Systems Analyst & Lead Developer
Fact-checked for D&D 5th Edition Systems Reference Document (SRD) compliance.
Optimize your Dungeons & Dragons character creation with our precision point buy 5e calculator. Quickly allocate your 27-point budget to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma while following official 5e rules.
Point Buy 5e Calculator
point buy 5e calculator Formula:
Cost Table (Standard 5e Rule):
| Score | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 9 |
Total Points = Σ Cost(Scorei) ≤ 27
Formula Source: D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Variables:
- Ability Scores: Six primary stats (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA) ranging from 8 to 15.
- Point Cost: The non-linear cost associated with higher scores (e.g., 14 costs 2 points more than 13).
- Budget: The standard pool of 27 points provided for character creation.
Related Calculators:
- 5e Standard Array Tool
- D&D Dice Roller & Probability Sim
- Armor Class (AC) Calculator 5e
- CR Encounter Balance Calculator
What is point buy 5e calculator?
The point buy 5e calculator is a utility used in the 5th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons to determine a character’s starting ability scores. Unlike “Rolling for Stats,” Point Buy ensures a balanced party where every player starts with a mathematically equivalent power level.
Using this system, you start with an 8 in every ability and spend 27 points to increase them. This method allows for strategic customization, letting you specialize in one area (like high Strength for a Fighter) or create a well-rounded “jack-of-all-trades.”
How to Calculate point buy 5e (Example):
- Start with all six ability scores at 8 (Cost = 0).
- To raise a score to 12, check the cost table: 12 costs 4 points.
- To raise another score to 15, it costs 9 points.
- Subtract the spent points from your total pool of 27.
- Repeat until all 27 points are spent or your scores are satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I go higher than 15 with point buy? No, standard 5e rules limit point buy to a maximum of 15 before racial bonuses are applied.
What is the lowest score I can have? The minimum score in the point buy system is 8.
Does this include racial bonuses? This calculator focuses on the base points. You should add your +1 or +2 racial modifiers after calculating these base scores.
Is point buy better than standard array? Point buy offers more flexibility, whereas the standard array is faster for beginners.