Every D&D character is built on six numbers: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. They usually run from 8 to 20, but you almost never use the score itself. You use the modifier that comes from it — the small plus or minus you add to rolls.
What each ability is for
- Strength: hitting with heavy weapons, climbing, jumping, grappling, carrying things.
- Dexterity: armor class, initiative, finesse and ranged weapons, sneaking, acrobatics.
- Constitution: hit points and holding concentration on spells. Nobody regrets a good one.
- Intelligence: wizard spells, recalling lore, investigating clues.
- Wisdom: cleric, druid and ranger spells, noticing things, reading people.
- Charisma: bard, sorcerer, warlock and paladin spells, persuading, lying, performing.
Score to modifier
Subtract 10 from the score, divide by 2 and round down. A 15 gives +2, a 10 gives +0, an 8 gives −1.
- 8–9: −1
- 10–11: +0
- 12–13: +1
- 14–15: +2
- 16–17: +3
- 18–19: +4
- 20: +5
Because of the rounding, an odd score is no better than the even number below it — until something raises it by one. That makes odd scores good homes for feats that add +1.
Getting your scores
- Standard array: assign 15, 14, 13, 12, 10 and 8 however you like. Fast and fair; great for a first character.
- Point buy: start every score at 8 and spend 27 points to raise them, up to 15 before bonuses. Flexible and still balanced.
- Rolling: roll four d6, drop the lowest, and repeat six times. Exciting, but one player can end up far stronger than another — ask your DM first.
Then add the bonuses from your race (2014 rules) or background (2024 rules), usually +2 to one score and +1 to another.
Which score matters most
Put your highest score in your class’s main ability: Strength or Dexterity for fighters, Dexterity for rogues and monks, Intelligence for wizards, Wisdom for clerics and druids, Charisma for bards, sorcerers, warlocks and paladins. Then make Constitution your second or third best. The class guide has more on each.
Let the sheet do the maths
The free Character Builder lets you pick the standard array, point buy or rolled scores and works out every modifier for you. Your character sheet then adds the right modifier to every roll. Rules reference: Ability Scores and Modifiers in the free compendium.