Point buy calculator
Spend 27 points across your six ability scores, add your ability score increases, and see the final scores and modifiers as you go. Every score starts at 8 and can go up to 15 before bonuses.
| Ability | Base | Cost | Bonus | Score | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STR Strength | 8 | 0 | – | 8 | −1 |
| DEX Dexterity | 8 | 0 | +2 | 10 | +0 |
| CON Constitution | 8 | 0 | +1 | 9 | −1 |
| INT Intelligence | 8 | 0 | – | 8 | −1 |
| WIS Wisdom | 8 | 0 | – | 8 | −1 |
| CHA Charisma | 8 | 0 | – | 8 | −1 |
How to use it
Start with your main ability
Put 15 in the ability your class runs on (Strength or Dexterity for fighters, Intelligence for wizards, Wisdom for clerics), then Constitution, since hit points matter to everyone.
Odd scores waste points
Modifiers only change on even numbers. A 13 and a 12 both give +1, so a 13 only pays off if a bonus will push it to 14.
Where the +2 goes
Put the +2 on your 15 to start at 17, or on a 14 to start at 16 and keep points for elsewhere. Scores can't go above 20.
Standard array instead
The standard array is 15, 14, 13, 12, 10 and 8. It costs exactly 27 points, so it's one legal point buy spread.
Point buy cost table
| Score | Point cost | Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | −1 |
| 9 | 1 | −1 |
| 10 | 2 | +0 |
| 11 | 3 | +0 |
| 12 | 4 | +1 |
| 13 | 5 | +1 |
| 14 | 7 | +2 |
| 15 | 9 | +2 |
Questions
How many points do you get in 5e point buy?
27 points. Every ability starts at 8, and you can raise each one to at most 15 before ability score increases.
How much does each score cost?
9 costs 1 point, 10 costs 2, 11 costs 3, 12 costs 4, 13 costs 5, 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9. Scores 14 and 15 cost 2 points per step.
Where do the +2 and +1 come from?
In the 2024 Player's Handbook they come from your background: +2 to one ability and +1 to another, or +1 to three. In the 2014 rules they come from your race, and Tasha's Cauldron lets you move them. Choose the option your table uses.
What is the ability modifier formula?
Subtract 10 from the score, divide by 2 and round down. A 15 gives +2, a 16 gives +3 and an 8 gives −1.
Is Quillroll affiliated with Wizards of the Coast?
No. Quillroll is an independent tool. Dungeons & Dragons is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast.