Ability Modifiers

Dice rolled

d20

Dice rolled

1d20

Each ability has a modifier that you apply whenever you make a D20 Test with that ability (explained in "D20 Tests"). An ability modifier is derived from its score, as shown in the Ability Modifiers table.

EXCEPTIONS SUPERSEDE GENERAL RULES

General rules govern each part of the game. For example, the combat rules tell you that melee attacks use Strength and ranged attacks use Dexterity. That's a general rule, and a general rule is in effect as long as something in the game doesn't explicitly say otherwise.

The game also includes elements—class features, feats, weapon properties, spells, magic items, monster abilities, and the like—that sometimes contradict a general rule. When an exception and a general rule disagree, the exception wins. For example, if a feature says you can make melee attacks using your Charisma, you can do so, even though that statement disagrees with the general rule.

ROUND DOWN

Whenever you divide or multiply a number in the game, round down if you end up with a fraction, even if the fraction is one-half or greater. Some rules make an exception and tell you to round up.

Ability Modifiers

Score, Modifier, Score, Modifier

1, −5, 16–17, +3

2–3, −4, 18–19, +4

4–5, −3, 20–21, +5

6–7, −2, 22–23, +6

8–9, −1, 24–25, +7

10–11, +0, 26–27, +8

12–13, +1, 28–29, +9

14–15, +2, 30, +10

D20 Tests

When the outcome of an action is uncertain, the game uses a d20 roll to determine success or failure. These rolls are called D20 Tests, and they come in three kinds: ability checks, saving throws, and attack rolls. They follow these steps:

4: Roll 1d20. You always want to roll high. If the roll has Advantage or Disadvantage (described later in "Playing the Game"), you roll two d20s, but you use the number from only one of them—the higher one if you have Advantage or the lower one if you have Disadvantage.

5: Add Modifiers. Add these modifiers to the number rolled on the d20:

• The Relevant Ability Modifier. "Playing the Game" and "Rules Glossary" explain which ability modifiers to use for various D20 Tests.
• Your Proficiency Bonus If Relevant. Each creature has a Proficiency Bonus, a number added when making a D20 Test that uses something, such as a skill, in which the creature has proficiency. See "Proficiency" later in "Playing the Game."
• Circumstantial Bonuses and Penalties. A class feature, a spell, or another rule might give a bonus or penalty to the die roll.

6: Compare the Total to a Target Number. If the total of the d20 and its modifiers equals or exceeds the target number, the D20 Test succeeds. Otherwise, it fails. The Game Master determines target numbers and tells players whether their rolls are successful. The target number for an ability check or a saving throw is called a Difficulty Class (DC). The target number for an attack roll is called an Armor Class (AC), which appears on a character sheet or in a stat block (see "Rules Glossary").