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D&D 5e Point Buy System:
Cost Table: 8=0, 9=1, 10=2, 11=3, 12=4, 13=5, 14=7, 15=9
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The Point Buy system in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition is a method for determining ability scores that provides balanced character creation. Instead of random rolls, players distribute points to purchase ability scores between 8 and 15.
The calculator uses the standard D&D 5e point buy cost table:
| Ability Score | Point Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 | 0 |
| 9 | 1 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 3 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 13 | 5 |
| 14 | 7 |
| 15 | 9 |
Explanation: The calculator sums the point costs of all six ability scores to give you the total points used in your character build.
Details: The point buy system ensures fair character creation where all players start with similarly capable characters (27 points standard). It prevents both extremely weak and overpowered starting characters that can occur with random rolling.
Tips: Select each ability score from the dropdown menus. The calculator will automatically sum the point costs. Standard array (15,14,13,12,10,8) costs 27 points.
Q1: What's the standard point budget?
A: The standard is 27 points, but DMs may adjust this (typically 25-32 points).
Q2: Can I have scores below 8 or above 15?
A: Not with standard point buy. Some DMs may allow purchasing scores up to 16 (costs 12 points) or lowering to 7 (gives 1 extra point).
Q3: Why does 14 cost 7 points but 15 costs 9?
A: Higher scores become exponentially more expensive to prevent min-maxing.
Q4: What's the most balanced distribution?
A: Many players use variations of 15,14,13,12,10,8 (27 points) or 15,15,15,8,8,8 (also 27 points for specialized builds).
Q5: How does this compare to rolling stats?
A: Point buy is more balanced but less random. Rolling can create more varied characters but may lead to party imbalance.