D&D 5e Point Buy Calculator (27 points, costs & ability modifiers)

Understanding the D&D point buy calculator — concept and principle

Point buy is a fair way to create a D&D character's six ability scores without rolling dice. Every score starts at 8 and you spend 27 points to raise them, up to 15 each. This calculator adds up the cost of the scores you choose, shows how many points are left and gives each ability modifier.

How it is calculated

Cost per score: 8 = 0, 9 = 1, 10 = 2, 11 = 3, 12 = 4, 13 = 5, 14 = 7, 15 = 9

Points spent = sum of the six costs; points left = 27 − spent

Ability modifier = ⌊(score − 10) ÷ 2⌋

• Scores must be whole numbers from 8 to 15 before background increases.

The principle

Point buy gives every player the same budget, so no one is luckier with dice than anyone else. The cost rises more steeply at the top, with the last two steps costing two points each, which makes very high scores expensive and encourages spreading points. Because modifiers change only at even scores (12, 14, 16 …), odd scores give no extra modifier by themselves; players often leave an odd score to round up later with a bonus. The standard array 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 costs exactly 27 points, so both methods produce equally strong characters.

Worked example

Default inputs: Strength 15, Dexterity 14, Constitution 14, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 10, Charisma 8.

1. Costs: 9 + 7 + 7 + 2 + 2 + 0 = 27 points spent.
2. Points left = 27 − 27 = 0: Exactly on budget.
3. Modifiers: Strength ⌊5 ÷ 2⌋ = +2, Dexterity +2, Constitution +2.
4. Intelligence and Wisdom +0; Charisma ⌊−2 ÷ 2⌋ = −1.

How to read the result

A budget check of "Under budget" means you have points to spend; "Over budget" means lower a score. In the 2024 rules, your background then increases scores (for example +2 and +1), so a 15 can become 17. Plan your point buy so the background bonuses land on odd scores where they raise the modifier.

Common mistakes

• Raising a score above 15 with point buy itself.
• Lowering a score below 8 to gain points; the rules do not allow it.
• Forgetting the extra cost of 14 and 15.
• Applying background increases before checking the point budget.

Frequently asked questions

How many points do I get in point buy?

27 points, with every score starting at 8.

Why does 15 cost 9 points?

The steps to 14 and 15 cost two points each, making high scores expensive.

Is point buy the same as the standard array?

Both are worth 27 points; point buy lets you choose your own spread.

Can a score end up above 15?

Yes, after background increases, up to 17 at character creation.

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). Section used: Character Creation, "Point Cost" table, standard array and Ability Modifiers table.