D&D Point Buy Calculator (5e)
Enter your six ability scores to total their point-buy cost and see how many of the 27 points remain.
In D&D 5e point buy you have 27 points to raise six ability scores, each starting at 8 and capped at 15 before racial bonuses. Scores 8–13 cost 0–5 points one for one, but 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9, since the last two points cost double. A common legal spread is 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8, using exactly 27.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your six ability scores — Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma — each between 8 and 15. The calculator totals their point cost, shows how many of your 27 points remain, and tells you whether the build is legal.
Point buy is the balanced character-creation method in D&D 5e: everyone gets the same budget, so no one is at the mercy of dice rolls. Racial and background bonuses are applied after point buy, so keep base scores at 15 or below here.
How the Calculation Works
Each score has a point cost. From 8 up to 13, each extra point of score costs one point of budget. But raising a score to 14 costs 7 (not 6) and to 15 costs 9 (not 7), because the final two increments cost two budget points each.
That escalating cost is deliberate: it discourages dumping everything into one stat and rewards a balanced spread. The calculator sums the cost of all six scores and compares the total to the 27-point budget.
8=0 · 9=1 · 10=2 · 11=3 · 12=4 · 13=5 · 14=7 · 15=9
Worked Example
A classic spread is 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8. Each 15 costs 9, so three of them cost 27, and each 8 costs 0. The total is exactly 27 — a legal build with no points to spare.
By contrast, 14, 14, 14, 12, 10, 8 costs 7 + 7 + 7 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 27 as well — the same budget spread more evenly across stats.
Assumptions and Limitations
- Uses the standard 5e point-buy costs and 27-point budget
- Scores must be 8–15 before racial and background bonuses
- Some tables use variant budgets — confirm with your DM
- Apply race/background/ASI bonuses after point buy
Who Uses a Point Buy Calculator
Dungeons & Dragons 5e players use this to total the point cost of their ability scores during character creation. Run it to build a legal array within the standard point budget and compare stat spreads. Enter your six scores to see the points spent and remaining.
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Open calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
How does D&D 5e point buy work?
You get 27 points to raise six abilities, each starting at 8 and capped at 15. Scores 8–13 cost one point each; 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9. Racial bonuses apply afterward.
Why does a 15 cost more than expected?
The last two increments cost double: going 13→14 costs 2 points and 14→15 costs another 2, so 14 costs 7 total and 15 costs 9. It discourages min-maxing a single stat.
What is the best point buy array?
It depends on your class. 15, 15, 15, 8, 8, 8 maximizes three stats; 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8 is a balanced spread. Both cost 27. Put your 15 in your class's key ability.
Can I go above 15 in point buy?
Not with base point buy — 15 is the cap before bonuses. Racial traits, background features and Ability Score Improvements can push a stat above 15 after character creation.
Is point buy better than rolling?
It's more balanced and predictable, which many tables prefer for fairness. Rolling can produce higher or lower totals. Ask your DM which method your game uses.
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