Point Buy Calculator 5e
Calculate point buy cost for D&D 5th Edition ability scores. Point buy allows you to customize ability scores with a budget of 27 points.
Point Buy Cost
0 / 27 points
STR: 8 (-1)
DEX: 8 (-1)
CON: 8 (-1)
INT: 8 (-1)
WIS: 8 (-1)
CHA: 8 (-1)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter ability scores for all 6 abilities (8-15).
- The calculator displays total point buy cost and ability modifiers.
- Total budget is 27 points—adjust scores to fit within budget.
- Use this to plan character builds and optimize ability scores.
Point Buy Cost Formula
Point costs are based on ability score values:
8 = 0 points
9 = 1 point
10 = 2 points
11 = 3 points
12 = 4 points
13 = 5 points
14 = 7 points
15 = 9 points
Total Budget = 27 points
Ability Modifier = floor((Score - 10) / 2)
Example: 15 STR, 14 DEX, 13 CON, 12 INT, 10 WIS, 8 CHA: Cost = 9 + 7 + 5 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 27 points (perfect budget). Modifiers: STR +2, DEX +2, CON +1, INT +1, WIS +0, CHA -1. All scores must be 8-15. Racial bonuses can raise scores above 15.
Full Description
Point buy is a method for generating ability scores in D&D 5th Edition using a budget of 27 points. Instead of rolling dice randomly, point buy allows you to customize ability scores to fit your character concept. Each ability score costs points based on its value: 8-13 cost 0-5 points, 14 costs 7 points, 15 costs 9 points. All scores start at 8 (0 cost).
The total budget is 27 points for all 6 abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). You can distribute these points however you want, but scores must be between 8-15. Common distributions include maxing out three abilities (15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8) or creating balanced characters (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8). Ability modifiers are calculated as floor((Score - 10) / 2). Racial bonuses can raise scores above 15.
This calculator helps you plan point buy distributions. Enter ability scores, and it calculates total cost and modifiers. Use it for character creation, optimizing builds, understanding point buy mechanics, or planning ability score distributions. Remember, you have 27 points total—spend wisely!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is point buy in D&D 5e?
Point buy is a method for generating ability scores using a budget of 27 points. Each ability score costs points based on its value: 8-13 cost 0-5 points, 14 costs 7 points, 15 costs 9 points. You can customize scores instead of rolling randomly. All scores start at 8 (0 cost).
How much do ability scores cost?
Point costs: 8 = 0, 9 = 1, 10 = 2, 11 = 3, 12 = 4, 13 = 5, 14 = 7, 15 = 9. Scores above 15 require racial bonuses or other modifiers. Maximum starting score is 15 (before racial bonuses). Total budget is 27 points for all 6 abilities.
What is a good point buy distribution?
Common distributions: 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8 (27 points, maxed out). 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 (balanced). 15, 13, 13, 12, 12, 8 (well-rounded). 14, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 (moderate). Choose based on class needs and play style.
Can I go below 8 or above 15?
No! Point buy only allows scores from 8-15. Scores below 8 are too weak, and scores above 15 are too powerful for starting characters. Racial bonuses can raise scores above 15. Example: 15 STR + 2 (Half-Orc) = 17 STR.