If you’re building a character for Dungeons & Dragons 5e, learning how to roll stats is one of the first—and most important—steps. These numbers shape your character’s strengths, weaknesses, and every dice roll that follows.
This guide explains how to roll stats in D&D 5e, what ability scores actually do, and how to assign those numbers for maximum impact.
What Are Ability Scores in D&D 5e?
Every D&D 5e character has six core stats known as ability scores:
- Strength (STR) – Physical power, carrying capacity, and melee attacks.
- Dexterity (DEX) – Reflexes, agility, initiative, and ranged attacks.
- Constitution (CON) – Health, stamina, and hit points.
- Intelligence (INT) – Logic, memory, investigation, and wizard spells.
- Wisdom (WIS) – Perception, insight, survival, and cleric/druid spellcasting.
- Charisma (CHA) – Social influence, performance, deception, and bard/sorcerer spells.
Each score produces a modifier, calculated as (Score - 10) ÷ 2. These modifiers are added to nearly every roll you make.
Standard Stat Rolling: 4d6 Drop the Lowest
The most common way to roll stats in D&D 5e is:
- Roll 4 six-sided dice (4d6).
- Drop the lowest result.
- Add the remaining three.
- Repeat six times to generate six numbers.
Example: Rolling 6, 5, 3, 1 → Drop the 1 → Total = 14.
You then assign these six results to the six ability scores, however you like.
Point Buy and Standard Array Options
If your DM doesn’t allow rolling, or you want a more balanced setup, D&D 5e also offers:
- Standard Array: Pre-set numbers — 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8.
- Point Buy: Spend 27 points to build your stats with a point cost per score.
These methods help avoid overly weak or overly strong characters.
Assigning Stats Based on Class
Once you’ve rolled or chosen your scores, it’s time to assign them. Focus on your class:
- Fighters, Barbarians, Paladins – Strength first.
- Rogues, Rangers, Monks – Dexterity and Constitution.
- Wizards, Artificers – Intelligence.
- Clerics, Druids – Wisdom.
- Bards, Sorcerers, Warlocks – Charisma.
Don’t neglect the Constitution—it affects your hit points regardless of class.
For a deeper look into how to prioritise and assign your stats based on your class, visit Mastering Ability Scores and the First Character Builds Guide.
Optional House Rules for Rolling Stats
At some tables, DMs allow custom stat generation rules, such as:
- Roll 5d6, drop 2 lowest – Higher-powered characters.
- Reroll 1s – Slightly improves low stats.
- Minimum modifier threshold – Reroll if total modifiers add up to +0 or less.
Always check with your DM before rolling.
Final Thoughts
Your ability scores are more than just numbers—they’re the backbone of how your character plays. Rolling well is great, but assigning those numbers smartly is what makes a hero memorable.
