D&D 5e Hit Points Calculator (HP by class, level & Constitution)

Understanding the D&D hit points calculator — concept and principle

Hit points measure how much punishment a D&D character can take. This calculator works out a character's hit point maximum from class Hit Point Die, level and Constitution score using the fixed value per level, and also shows the lowest, highest and average totals if you roll for hit points instead.

How it is calculated

Constitution modifier = ⌊(score − 10) ÷ 2⌋

Level 1 HP = Hit Point Die maximum + modifier (at least 1)

Each later level (fixed) = die ÷ 2 + 1 + modifier (at least 1)

HP maximum = level 1 HP + (level − 1) × per-level HP + extra per level × level

• Hit Point Dice: d12 Barbarian; d10 Fighter, Paladin, Ranger; d8 Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, Warlock; d6 Sorcerer, Wizard.
• Rolled range per level: 1 + mod to die + mod (each at least 1); average roll = die ÷ 2 + 0.5 + mod.

The principle

At first level a character starts with the best possible roll of their class die, so beginners are not too fragile. From then on, each level adds one die's worth of hit points. The fixed value, half the die plus one, is slightly above the average roll of half the die plus a half, which rewards taking the reliable option. Constitution reflects toughness, so its modifier is added every level; if Constitution later rises, the higher modifier applies to all levels retroactively.

Worked example

Default inputs: Fighter (d10), level 5, Constitution 14, no extra per level.

1. Constitution modifier = ⌊(14 − 10) ÷ 2⌋ = 2.
2. Level 1 HP = 10 + 2 = 12.
3. Each later level = 10 ÷ 2 + 1 + 2 = 8.
4. HP maximum = 12 + 4 × 8 = 44; Hit Dice = 5d10.
5. If rolling: lowest 12 + 4 × 3 = 24, highest 12 + 4 × 12 = 60, average 12 + 4 × 7.5 = 42.

How to read the result

The fixed method gives a steady, slightly above-average total. Rolling can produce more or fewer hit points; tables differ on which method they allow. Comparing classes at the same level shows why Barbarians and Fighters are front-line combatants and Wizards stay at the back.

Common mistakes

• Adding the full die maximum at every level instead of only at level 1.
• Forgetting to apply a Constitution increase to earlier levels.
• Giving a multiclass character the level-1 maximum for each class; only the first class gets it.
• Letting a negative modifier reduce a level's gain below 1.

Frequently asked questions

Is the fixed value better than rolling?

It is slightly above the average roll and has no risk, so many players prefer it.

What Constitution modifier does a score of 9 give?

−1, because ⌊(9 − 10) ÷ 2⌋ = −1.

How are multiclass hit points calculated?

Add each class's levels separately; only the first class gets the level-1 maximum.

What does "extra hit points per level" cover?

Features or feats that add a fixed amount per level, such as some species or feat benefits.

Sources: This page includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2.1 ("SRD 5.2.1") by Wizards of the Coast LLC, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY-4.0). Sections used: Character Creation, "Hit Points"; Level Advancement, "Hit Points per Level".