Understanding This Calculator
Point buy is one of three standard ways to generate ability scores in D&D 5th Edition (alongside rolling and the standard array). Every character starts all six abilities at 8 and spends points from a shared 27-point pool to raise them, with higher scores costing progressively more points.
This system guarantees balanced characters compared to random rolling, since every player works from the identical point budget — the only decisions are which abilities to prioritize for your class and build.
- 8 0 pts
- 9 1 pt
- 10 2 pts
- 11 3 pts
- 12 4 pts
- 13 5 pts
- 14 7 pts
- 15 9 pts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do 14 and 15 cost more per point than lower scores?
The official 5E point buy table intentionally accelerates cost above 13, jumping from +1 point per step below 13 to +2 points per step at 14 and 15, discouraging characters from maxing every score above 13.
Can I go over 27 points or below score 8?
Standard 5E point buy caps scores at 8 minimum and 15 maximum before racial bonuses, and the 27-point pool is a hard limit — this calculator will show a negative “points remaining” value if your selections exceed the budget so you know to adjust.