Point Buy Calculator 5e
Spend your 27 points across the six D&D ability scores using the official cost table. Every raise, cost, and modifier updates live — overspending is blocked with a clear message, and the show-your-work table proves every point.
Build your scores
Show your work
Every score, its point cost, and its ability modifier — updated live as you build.
| Ability | Score | Cost | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | – | 0 pts | 27 left |
The official point-buy rules
From the D&D 5e Systems Reference Document (SRD 5.2.1). Each ability starts at 8 and you have 27 points to raise the six scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma.
| Score | Cost | Cost to raise one step | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 1 → 9 | −1 |
| 9 | 1 | 1 → 10 | −1 |
| 10 | 2 | 1 → 11 | 0 |
| 11 | 3 | 1 → 12 | 0 |
| 12 | 4 | 1 → 13 | +1 |
| 13 | 5 | 2 → 14 | +1 |
| 14 | 7 | 2 → 15 | +2 |
| 15 | 9 | max | +2 |
Key rules: scores below 8 or above 15 cannot be bought; the SRD's own example is that a score of 14 costs 7 of your 27 points. The modifier formula is (score − 10) ÷ 2, rounded down. Species or background bonuses are applied after point buy (a 15 with +2 becomes 17).
Worked examples
Four class spreads using the SRD's Standard Array by Class table — each spends exactly 27 points — plus one illegal build showing why overspending fails.
Fighter — 27 of 27 points
STR 15 (9) + DEX 14 (7) + CON 13 (5) + INT 8 (0) + WIS 10 (2) + CHA 12 (4) = 9 + 7 + 5 + 0 + 2 + 4 = 27
Modifiers: STR +2, DEX +2, CON +1, INT −1, WIS 0, CHA +1. Frontline classic: peak Strength, solid Constitution.
Rogue — 27 of 27 points
STR 12 (4) + DEX 15 (9) + CON 13 (5) + INT 14 (7) + WIS 10 (2) + CHA 8 (0) = 4 + 9 + 5 + 7 + 2 + 0 = 27
Modifiers: STR +1, DEX +2, CON +1, INT +2, WIS 0, CHA −1. Peak Dexterity with Intelligence 14 for Investigation.
Wizard — 27 of 27 points
STR 8 (0) + DEX 12 (4) + CON 14 (7) + INT 13 (5) + WIS 15 (9) + CHA 10 (2) = 0 + 4 + 7 + 5 + 9 + 2 = 27
Modifiers: STR −1, DEX +1, CON +2, INT +1, WIS +2, CHA 0. Constitution 14 keeps concentration checks alive.
Cleric — 27 of 27 points
STR 14 (7) + DEX 8 (0) + CON 13 (5) + INT 10 (2) + WIS 15 (9) + CHA 12 (4) = 7 + 0 + 5 + 2 + 9 + 4 = 27
Modifiers: STR +2, DEX −1, CON +1, INT 0, WIS +2, CHA +1. Peak Wisdom with Strength 14 for heavy armor and melee.
Illegal build — rejected (29 of 27 points)
STR 15 (9) + DEX 15 (9) + CON 14 (7) + INT 10 (2) + WIS 10 (2) + CHA 8 (0) = 9 + 9 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 0 = 29 — 2 points over budget
Two 15s are legal on their own (9 + 9 = 18, leaving 9 points), but adding a 14 breaks the budget. Drop Constitution to 13 (5) and the build becomes legal at 27.
Frequently asked questions
How does point buy work in D&D 5e?
Point buy vs. standard array vs. rolling — which is better?
Can you buy a score above 15 with point buy?
Can you buy a score below 8?
Can I start with two 15s?
What happens to unspent points?
What is the highest and lowest modifier point buy can give?
Why do scores of 14 and 15 cost extra?
Do species (racial) bonuses apply before or after point buy?
Is point buy official D&D rules?
My DM gave us 32 points instead of 27. Is that a thing?
What is a good point buy spread for my class?
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