D&D 5e Ability Scores

Complete reference for all six ability scores with modifier calculator, skills, and common uses.

Ability Score Modifier Calculator

Enter an ability score (1–30) to calculate the modifier.

=
Modifier
+0

Modifier = floor((Score − 10) / 2)

Full Modifier Table

1
-5
2
-4
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-4
4
-3
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-3
6
-2
7
-2
8
-1
9
-1
10
+0
11
+0
12
+1
13
+1
14
+2
15
+2
16
+3
17
+3
18
+4
19
+4
20
+5
21
+5
22
+6
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+6
24
+7
25
+7
26
+8
27
+8
28
+9
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+9
30
+10
Below averageAverageAbove average

Strength

(STR)

Strength measures bodily power, athletic training, and the extent to which you can exert raw physical force.

Skills

Athletics

Saving Throw

Strength saving throws resist being pushed, restrained, or physically overpowered.

Common Uses

  • •Melee attack rolls (most weapons)
  • •Damage rolls with melee weapons
  • •Carrying capacity & encumbrance
  • •Breaking objects & forcing doors
  • •Grapple & shove contests

Dexterity

(DEX)

Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, and balance. It is the key ability for ranged attacks and avoiding danger.

Skills

AcrobaticsSleight of HandStealth

Saving Throw

Dexterity saving throws dodge area effects like fireballs, traps, and breath weapons.

Common Uses

  • •Ranged attack rolls
  • •Initiative rolls
  • •Armor Class (light armor, no armor)
  • •Finesse weapon attacks
  • •Dodging area-of-effect spells

Constitution

(CON)

Constitution measures health, stamina, and vital force. It determines how many hit points you have.

Skills

No associated skills

Saving Throw

Constitution saving throws resist poison, disease, and effects that drain vitality.

Common Uses

  • •Hit point maximum (per level)
  • •Concentration checks on spells
  • •Resisting poison & disease
  • •Enduring harsh environments
  • •Death saving throws are not CON-based but benefit from high HP

Intelligence

(INT)

Intelligence measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason. It is the spellcasting ability for wizards.

Skills

ArcanaHistoryInvestigationNatureReligion

Saving Throw

Intelligence saving throws resist illusions, psychic attacks, and mental manipulation.

Common Uses

  • •Wizard spellcasting modifier
  • •Spell save DC (wizards)
  • •Recalling lore & knowledge
  • •Solving puzzles & riddles
  • •Detecting illusions

Wisdom

(WIS)

Wisdom reflects how attuned you are to the world around you and represents perceptiveness and intuition. It is the spellcasting ability for clerics, druids, and rangers.

Skills

Animal HandlingInsightMedicinePerceptionSurvival

Saving Throw

Wisdom saving throws resist charm, fear, and effects that assault willpower.

Common Uses

  • •Cleric, druid, ranger spellcasting
  • •Passive Perception (10 + modifier)
  • •Detecting hidden creatures
  • •Resisting charm & fear effects
  • •Sensing motives & deception

Charisma

(CHA)

Charisma measures your ability to interact effectively with others. It includes confidence, eloquence, and leadership. It is the spellcasting ability for bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and paladins.

Skills

DeceptionIntimidationPerformancePersuasion

Saving Throw

Charisma saving throws resist banishment, possession, and effects that override personality.

Common Uses

  • •Bard, sorcerer, warlock, paladin spellcasting
  • •Social interactions & negotiations
  • •Counterspell & dispel magic contests
  • •Resisting banishment & possession
  • •Inspiring allies & commanding presence

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