Point Buy Calculator (D&D 5e)
Build D&D 5e characters with the official point buy system. Spend 27 points on Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma with racial bonuses.
About This Calculator
The D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator helps players and dungeon masters build character ability scores using the official point buy system from the Player's Handbook. Whether you are creating a new character for an upcoming campaign or theorycrafting a min-maxed build, this tool handles all the math so you can focus on your character concept.
In D&D 5th Edition, point buy is one of three standard methods for generating ability scores (alongside the standard array and dice rolling). You start with a pool of 27 points and purchase ability scores between 8 and 15 for each of the six abilities: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Higher scores cost more points following a specific cost table. After purchasing your base scores, racial bonuses are applied to produce your character's final starting ability scores.
Ability scores determine your character's modifiers, which are added to attack rolls, skill checks, and saving throws. The modifier is calculated as (score − 10) ÷ 2, rounded down. A score of 15 gives a +2 modifier, 12 gives +1, 10 gives +0, and 8 gives −1. This calculator automatically computes every modifier for you.
How to Use the Point Buy Calculator
Select your character's race from the dropdown to apply racial bonuses. Then enter your desired ability scores (8–15) for each of the six abilities. The real-time point cost counter shows how many of your 27 points you have spent. Click Calculate Point Buy to see your final scores with racial bonuses, modifiers, point costs, and an interactive chart. The URL updates automatically so you can share or bookmark your build.
What Is D&D Point Buy?
The D&D point buy system is a character creation method that ensures balanced ability scores across all player characters at the table. Each score from 8 to 15 has a fixed cost in points, and players must allocate 27 points across six abilities. This system prevents extreme score arrays (like rolling three 18s) while still allowing meaningful customization. It is the preferred method for organized play and many home campaigns that value fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D&D 5e point buy system?
The D&D 5e point buy system lets you spend 27 points to purchase ability scores from 8 to 15. Each score has a fixed cost: 8 costs 0 points, 9 costs 1, 10 costs 2, 11 costs 3, 12 costs 4, 13 costs 5, 14 costs 7, and 15 costs 9. You must buy six scores and assign them to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.
Can you reach 16 or higher with point buy?
No, the official 5e point buy rules limit base ability scores to between 8 and 15. However, racial bonuses are applied on top of base scores, so a character can start with a score of 17 in an ability by taking a 15 base score and adding a +2 racial bonus.
How do ability score modifiers work in D&D 5e?
Ability modifiers are calculated as (score - 10) / 2, rounded down. For example, a score of 15 gives a +2 modifier, 12 gives +1, 10 gives +0, and 8 gives -1. Modifiers are added to dice rolls for skills, attacks, and saving throws governed by that ability.
What races are supported by this point buy calculator?
This calculator supports the official SRD races: Human, Hill Dwarf, High Elf, Rock Gnome, Half-Elf, Lightfoot Halfling, Half-Orc, Tiefling, and Dragonborn. Each race provides ability score bonuses that stack with your point-bought base scores.
Is the point buy calculator free to use?
Yes, this D&D 5e point buy calculator is completely free to use with no registration or hidden charges. Your scores are saved in the URL so you can share your character build with your dungeon master or gaming group.
Can I save or share my point buy build?
Yes, every calculation saves all six ability scores and your race choice to the page URL. You can bookmark the URL or share it with your DM and fellow players. Opening the URL will restore the exact build with all scores and auto-calculate the results.