📚 About D&D Point Buy System

The point buy system in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition is a balanced method for creating character ability scores. Unlike rolling dice, which can create wildly unbalanced characters, point buy ensures every player starts with a fair and competitive character while still allowing for customization and specialization.

In the standard D&D 5e point buy system, you have 27 points to spend on six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Each ability score starts at 8 and can be increased up to 15 during character creation, with higher scores costing exponentially more points.

This system encourages strategic thinking about your character build. Do you want a well-rounded character with decent scores across the board, or a specialist who excels in specific areas while being weaker in others? The choice is yours, and our calculator makes it easy to experiment with different combinations.

Score	Point Cost
8	0
9	1
10	2
11	3
12	4
13	5
14	7
15	9

🎯 How to Use This Calculator

Our D&D point buy calculator is designed to be intuitive and powerful. Here's how to get the most out of it:

• Adjust Scores: Use the + and - buttons or type directly into the score fields. The calculator automatically prevents invalid combinations and shows your remaining points in real-time.
• Choose Your Race: Select from over 20 popular D&D races. The calculator automatically applies racial ability score bonuses and shows your final scores.
• Custom Rules: Many DMs modify the point buy system. Use our custom rules section to adjust total points, minimum scores, or maximum scores to match your table's preferences.
• Quick Actions: Use the Reset button to start over, Randomize for inspiration, or Optimize to automatically distribute points for balanced stats.
• Save & Share: Save your character builds for later or export them to share with your group or import into other tools.

The results table shows your final ability scores, modifiers, and point costs, making it easy to see exactly how your character will perform in game.

💡 Character Building Tips

Creating an effective D&D character involves more than just maximizing your highest stats. Here are some expert tips to help you build better characters:

• Prioritize Key Abilities: Focus on your class's primary abilities first. Fighters need Strength or Dexterity, Wizards need Intelligence, and Clerics need Wisdom.
• Don't Neglect Constitution: Every character benefits from good Constitution for extra hit points and better concentration saves. Aim for at least 14 unless you have a specific reason not to.
• Consider Odd Numbers: Ability modifiers increase every 2 points. A 15 and a 14 both give a +2 modifier, so sometimes it's better to have two 14s than one 15 and one 13.
• Plan for Racial Bonuses: Choose a race that complements your class. A Half-Orc's +2 Strength pairs perfectly with Barbarian or Fighter, while a High Elf's +2 Intelligence is ideal for Wizards.
• Think About Multiclassing: If you plan to multiclass later, ensure you meet the ability score requirements for both classes.
• Balance Offense and Defense: Don't ignore defensive stats like Dexterity (for AC and initiative) or Wisdom (for Perception and many important saves).

Remember, the "best" character is one that's fun to play and fits your table's style. Sometimes a character with interesting flaws is more engaging than a perfectly optimized one!