The D&D 5e point buy system gives you 27 points to distribute across your six ability scores, each starting at 8. Increase scores from 8–15 (before racial bonuses). Use the interactive sliders below to build your ideal character.
Ability Score Allocation
Class presets:
Score Summary
Point Buy Cost Table
| Score | Points to Reach | Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | −1 |
| 9 | 1 | −1 |
| 10 | 2 | +0 |
| 11 | 3 | +0 |
| 12 | 4 | +1 |
| 13 | 5 | +1 |
| 14 | 7 | +2 |
| 15 | 9 | +2 |
Points shown are cumulative cost from base score of 8. Maximum score before racial bonuses is 15.
How to Use the D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator
Creating a D&D character with the point buy system gives you complete control over your ability score distribution. Unlike rolling dice, point buy guarantees a balanced character with no wasted stats.
Step 1: Select a class preset or start fresh
Click a class preset to see a recommended distribution for that class. Each class has a primary stat (the one all its key features scale from) and a secondary stat. The presets prioritize those two stats and put leftover points into CON for hit points and concentration spells.
Step 2: Adjust scores with the sliders
Move the sliders to change each ability score. Notice that the last two points (going from 13→15) cost more — this represents diminishing returns. A common efficient build is two 15s + one 13 + one 12 + two 8s, which uses exactly 27 points and gives strong primary and secondary stats.
Step 3: Apply racial bonuses after
Point buy caps at 15, but racial bonuses can push scores higher. A Hill Dwarf (+2 CON, +1 WIS) lets a Cleric start with 17 WIS and 16 CON by putting 15 in both before bonuses. This is the "15+racial" optimization strategy many players use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this D&D point buy calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no account required.
Is my data safe?
Absolutely. All calculations run in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
How does the D&D 5e point buy system work?
You start with 8 in all six ability scores (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA) and have 27 points to spend. Each score costs points: 8=0, 9=1, 10=2, 11=3, 12=4, 13=5, 14=7, 15=9. You can only raise scores to 15 before racial bonuses. Maximum 15 in any ability before racial modifiers.
What is the point cost for each ability score?
Starting score is 8 (0 points). Each +1 costs 1 point from 8-13, then costs 2 points for 14 and 2 more for 15. So: 9=1pt, 10=2pts, 11=3pts, 12=4pts, 13=5pts, 14=7pts, 15=9pts total spent from base 8.
Should I use standard array or point buy?
Point buy gives you more control — you choose exactly where to put your stats. Standard array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) totals 28 points by point-buy math and is slightly more powerful on average. Point buy is better when you want a specific spread like two 15s.
What stats are most important for each class?
Fighter/Barbarian: STR (or DEX for finesse), CON. Wizard/Sorcerer: INT/CHA, CON. Cleric/Druid: WIS, CON. Rogue: DEX, CON. Paladin: STR and CHA. Ranger: DEX or STR, WIS. Always prioritize your primary casting stat or main attack stat, then CON for hit points and concentration.