D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator
Points Remaining
Total Pool: 27Tasha's Custom Rules (defaults to +2 STR in this tool, you can adjust mentally)
Rolling dice for your character's ability scores is a Dungeons & Dragons tradition, but it can lead to wildly unbalanced parties. If the Fighter rolls incredible stats and the Wizard rolls terribly, the game stops being fun for the Wizard. That is why most modern D&D 5e campaigns (and official Adventurers League play) strictly use the Point Buy system.
Our D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator automates the math found on page 13 of the Player's Handbook. It tracks your 27-point pool, enforces the maximum and minimum limits, and automatically applies your racial bonuses to output your final ability modifiers.
How the 5e Point Buy System Works
In the Point Buy system, all six of your ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma) start at a base of 8. You are given exactly 27 points to spend to increase these scores.
The Minimums and Maximums
You cannot lower a stat below 8 to gain extra points (a practice known as "min-maxing" in older editions). Additionally, the highest base score you can purchase is 15. You cannot start the game with a 16 base score, though racial bonuses can push your final score up to 17.
Point Cost Table
The cost to increase a stat is not linear. Pushing a stat to its maximum limit costs disproportionately more to prevent players from easily getting three maxed stats.
| Ability Score | Point Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | 7 (Costs 2 points to upgrade from 13) |
| 15 | 9 (Costs 2 points to upgrade from 14) |
Our calculator handles this weighted cost automatically, disabling the "Plus" button when you do not have enough points remaining.
Applying Racial Ability Bonuses
After you have spent your 27 points, your character's race applies a permanent bonus to certain stats. For example, Mountain Dwarves get +2 to Strength and +2 to Constitution.
If you use Tasha's Cauldron of Everything "Custom Lineage" rules, you can apply a +2 and a +1 (or three +1s) to any stats you choose. In our calculator, simply select "Custom Lineage" and mathematically adjust the final numbers on your sheet.
Point Buy vs. Standard Array
If you don't want to deal with the math, the Player's Handbook offers the "Standard Array": 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8.
Fun fact: The Standard Array is simply a pre-calculated Point Buy spread. It uses exactly 27 points! If you want a more specialized build (like 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8 for a Paladin who only cares about STR, CON, and CHA), you must use the Point Buy system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a 14 cost more than a 13?
The point buy system is weighted. Raising a stat from 8 to 13 costs 1 point per increase. However, pushing a stat to 14 or 15 costs 2 points per increase, preventing players from easily getting multiple maxed stats.
Can I start with a 16 base stat?
No. Under the official D&D 5e Point Buy rules (Player's Handbook pg. 13), the maximum base score you can buy is 15 before racial bonuses are applied.
Is Point Buy better than rolling for stats?
Point Buy is mathematically balanced and prevents one player from being significantly overpowered compared to the rest of the party, which often happens when rolling dice for stats.
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