Point Buy Calculator (D&D 5e)

What Is the Point Buy Calculator (D&D 5e)?

The Point Buy Calculator builds a Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition ability-score array using the official 27-point point-buy system. Set each ability (STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, CHA) from 8 to 15, optionally pick a race for racial bonuses, and click Process to see the point cost of each score, the total spent, whether the array is valid, and the final ability modifiers.

How to Use the Point Buy Calculator

1. Set STR, DEX, CON, INT, WIS, and CHA using the number fields. Each score must be between 8 and 15.
2. Optionally choose a Race for racial bonuses (for example, Human +1 all, Mountain Dwarf +2 STR and +2 CON, Half-Orc +2 STR and +1 CON). Leave it on None / Custom for no bonus.
3. Click Process.
4. Read the result: base scores with their costs, total spent out of 27, validity, any racial bonus applied, and the final modifiers. Use Copy or Download to save it, or Clear to start over.

Worked Example

Setting STR 15, DEX 14, and CON, INT, WIS, CHA all 8, with Race None / Custom, and clicking Process gave: STR 15 (cost 9), DEX 14 (cost 7), CON 8 (cost 0), INT 8 (cost 0), WIS 8 (cost 0), CHA 8 (cost 0); Total spent 16 / 27 (11 remaining); Status: Valid point-buy array; Racial bonus: none; Modifiers: STR +2, DEX +2, CON -1, INT -1, WIS -1, CHA -1. The result uses the Player’s Handbook cost map: 8=0, 9=1, 10=2, 11=3, 12=4, 13=5, 14=7, 15=9.

Limitations

• Scores are limited to the point-buy range 8–15. Scores of 16 or higher, or below 8, cannot be entered in this system.
• The total budget is fixed at 27 points. An array that spends more than 27 points is not a valid point-buy array.
• Racial bonuses are the tool’s built-in list (Human, Mountain Dwarf, High Elf, Wood Elf, Half-Elf, Tiefling, Half-Orc, Dragonborn, Gnome, Halfling). Custom lineages, feats, and later rule variants are not covered — use None / Custom and apply those adjustments yourself.
• In the workspace observed, the ability inputs sit close together; the CON/INT fields can be awkward to click, and one field’s label did not show in the accessibility view. If a field does not respond, scroll or click it directly and re-check its value before pressing Process.
• Modifiers shown are the standard (score − 10) ÷ 2 rounded down, applied to the final scores after racial bonuses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 15 cost?

9 points. The cost map is 8=0, 9=1, 10=2, 11=3, 12=4, 13=5, 14=7, 15=9, so 15 and 14 together cost 16 points, as in the worked example.

What is a valid array?

One where every score is 8–15 and the total spent is 27 points or fewer. The tool reports Valid when those conditions hold.

Do racial bonuses cost points?

No. Racial bonuses are applied after point buy and do not count against the 27 points. The result lists the bonus separately from the base scores.

Is the Point Buy Calculator free to use?

Yes. It is free to use in your browser with no sign-up required.