Spend your points and see your ability scores, bonuses, and modifiers update as you go. This free 5E point buy calculator uses the standard 27-point buy, handles species bonuses from the 2014 rules and background bonuses from the 2024 rules, and works for Daring & Dread characters too.
How to use the point buy calculator
- Leave the budget at 27 for standard 5E, or change it if your table uses a different number.
- Choose how your bonuses work: +2 and +1, +1 to three scores, none, or custom.
- Use the plus and minus buttons to buy each score. The big number shows how many points you have left.
- Pick your bonuses in the Bonus column, then copy your final scores into your character sheet.
Point buy costs
A score of 8 costs nothing. Each step from 9 to 13 costs one more point, so 13 costs 5. Scores of 14 and 15 cost 2 points each, so 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9. That’s why most builds stop at a single 15 or two.
Point buy vs. rolling vs. standard array
Rolling 4d6 and dropping the lowest gives an average total a little above point buy, but with wild swings between players. The standard array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) is quick and fair but leaves no room to customize. Point buy keeps every character at the same power level while letting each player shape their own. If your table rolls instead, use the dice roller and its ability score roll.
Put this tool on your own site
Run a blog, a campaign wiki, or a club website? You’re welcome to add the Point Buy Calculator to it for free. Copy the code below and paste it into an HTML or custom code block. It works with WordPress, Blogger, Squarespace, Wix, and most other site builders.
Frequently asked questions
How does 5E point buy work?
Every ability score starts at 8 and you get 27 points to spend. Raising a score costs 1 point per step up to 13, then 2 points per step for 14 and 15. You can’t buy a score above 15 or below 8 before bonuses.
What is the best point buy spread?
It depends on your class. Most characters want a 15 in their main ability and a 14 in Constitution. Common spreads are 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8 for a focused build and 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8, which is the same as the standard array.
How do species and background bonuses work?
Under the 2014 rules your species gives your ability bonuses, usually +2 to one score and +1 to another. Under the 2024 rules your background gives them instead, either +2 and +1 or +1 to three scores. Pick the matching option and the calculator checks your choices.
Can I change the point budget?
Yes. Some tables use 25, 30, or more points for weaker or stronger heroes. Type any budget from 0 to 60.
Does it work for Daring & Dread?
Yes. Daring & Dread uses the same ability scores and modifiers as 5E, so the calculator works for both.
Is my build saved?
Your current scores are kept in your own browser on this device, so they’re still there when you come back. Nothing is sent anywhere.
More free GM tools
- Free RPG Tools: all of the free game master tools in one place
- Fantasy Name Generator: names for characters, NPCs, towns, and castles across eight cultures
- Dice Roller: every polyhedral die, with advantage, disadvantage, and bonuses
- Dice Probability Calculator: the exact odds for any roll, attack, or saving throw
- Encounter Difficulty Calculator: how deadly a fight is under 5E or Daring & Dread rules
- Treasure Hoard Generator: coins, gems, art objects, and magic items by challenge rating
About the creator
These free tools are made by Darrin Drader, designer of Daring & Dread: The Roleplaying Game, a ground-up rebuild of 5E for tables that want their victories to mean something. For adventures, maps, and more GM resources, see Adventures, Maps & Tools.