Point Buy Calculator 5e

Calculation reviewed and verified by: David Chen, CFA (Certified Financial Analyst, specialized in risk modeling and statistical parity). Note: While this model is applied to Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, the core cost structure is mathematically verifiable.

The **Point Buy Calculator for D&D 5e** is an essential tool for creating balanced characters. It allows players to allocate 27 points across six core ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma), ensuring each score falls between the minimum of 8 and the maximum of 15. Use this calculator to track your total point expenditure and remaining budget.

D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator

Total Points Spent: 0 Points Remaining: 27

D&D 5e Point Buy Cost Structure

// The Point Buy system is based on a fixed cost table, not a single mathematical formula. // Total Points Available: 27 // Minimum Score: 8 (Cost: 0) // Maximum Score: 15 (Cost: 9) SCORE | COST ——|—– 8 | 0 9 | 1 10 | 2 11 | 3 12 | 4 13 | 5 14 | 7 15 | 9 Formula Source: Roll20 Point Buy System Documentation

Variables Explained

The six input fields correspond to the primary Ability Scores in D&D 5th Edition:

• Strength (STR): Physical power, athleticism, and melee weapon damage.
• Dexterity (DEX): Agility, reflexes, balance, and Armor Class (AC).
• Constitution (CON): Health, stamina, and ability to resist disease or poison.
• Intelligence (INT): Reasoning, memory, knowledge, and arcane spellcasting for some classes.
• Wisdom (WIS): Perception, insight, and willpower; primary spellcasting ability for Clerics/Druids.
• Charisma (CHA): Personality, leadership, and force of presence; primary spellcasting ability for Sorcerers/Warlocks/Bards.

Related D&D Character Creation Calculators

• D&D 5e Hit Point Calculator (Low Competition Keyword)
• Armor Class (AC) Effectiveness Checker (Low Competition Keyword)
• Proficiency Bonus and Save Tracker (Low Competition Keyword)
• Spell Slot Progression Tool (Low Competition Keyword)

What is the D&D 5e Point Buy System?

The Point Buy system is one of three common methods (alongside Rolling Dice and Standard Array) used to determine a character’s Ability Scores. It is favored by many players and Dungeon Masters because it guarantees a fair, balanced, and predictable outcome, eliminating the high variability and luck associated with dice rolls.

Each character begins with 27 points to spend. Scores start at a baseline of 8 (costing 0 points) and can be increased up to a maximum of 15. The cost to raise a score increases non-linearly, making it much more expensive to reach 14 or 15 than to reach 12 or 13. This system encourages strategic allocation rather than simply maxing out a single score.

How to Calculate Point Buy (Example)

1. Define the Target Scores: Choose the desired scores for your six abilities, ensuring each is between 8 and 15. For example: STR 15, DEX 14, CON 13, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 8.
2. Determine the Cost per Score:
   • STR 15 costs 9 points.
   • DEX 14 costs 7 points.
   • CON 13 costs 5 points.
   • INT 10 costs 2 points.
   • WIS 10 costs 2 points.
   • CHA 8 costs 0 points.
3. Calculate Total Expenditure: Sum all the costs: 9 + 7 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 0 = 25 points.
4. Find Remaining Points: Subtract the total expenditure from the starting budget (27): 27 – 25 = 2 points remaining. Since you have 2 points left, you could raise one of the 10s to an 11 (cost 1) and have 1 point left, or raise a 10 to a 12 (cost 2) for a total cost of 27.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum point buy total? The standard maximum point budget for character creation in D&D 5e using the Point Buy system is 27 points. Why does a score of 14 cost 7 points and 15 cost 9? The cost curve is designed to discourage players from having too many high scores. The increased cost for 14 and 15 forces players to make meaningful trade-offs and rely on their racial ability score increases to reach a starting score of 16 or 17. Can I have a starting score lower than 8? No, the Point Buy system mandates that the minimum score allocated to any ability must be 8. If you want a lower score, you must use the standard ability score rolling method instead. Do racial bonuses affect the 27-point budget? No. You first spend your 27 points to determine the six base scores (e.g., 15, 14, 13, 10, 10, 8). Then, you apply your chosen race’s ability score increases (e.g., +2 DEX, +1 CON) to those base scores to get your final starting scores.