# Point Buy Calculator

Build your D&D 5e character using the point buy system. Allocate 27 points across Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

## What this calculates

The point buy system in D&D 5e gives you 27 points to distribute across your six ability scores. Each score starts at 8, and raising a score costs points on a sliding scale (14 and 15 cost extra). This calculator tracks your spending in real time so you can build the perfect character.

## Inputs

- **Strength** — min 8, max 15 — Melee attacks, carrying capacity, athletics
- **Dexterity** — min 8, max 15 — AC, ranged attacks, initiative, acrobatics
- **Constitution** — min 8, max 15 — Hit points, concentration saves
- **Intelligence** — min 8, max 15 — Wizard spellcasting, investigation, arcana
- **Wisdom** — min 8, max 15 — Cleric/druid spellcasting, perception, insight
- **Charisma** — min 8, max 15 — Bard/paladin/sorcerer/warlock spellcasting, persuasion

## Outputs

- **Points Spent** — formatted as text
- **Points Remaining**
- **Ability Modifiers** — formatted as text
- **Total Modifier Sum** — formatted as text

## Details

Here's how the point buy cost table works:

  ScoreTotal CostModifier
  80 pts-1
  91 pt-1
  102 pts+0
  113 pts+0
  124 pts+1
  135 pts+1
  147 pts+2
  159 pts+2

Notice the jump: going from 13 to 14 costs 2 points instead of 1, and the same for 14 to 15. The maximum score before racial bonuses is 15.

Popular Point Buy Builds

  - MAD build (15/15/15/8/8/8): Three maxed stats, 27 points exactly. Great for paladins and monks who need multiple high scores.

  - Standard hero (15/14/13/10/10/8): Two strong stats, one good one, and balanced lows. Works for most classes.

  - Well-rounded (13/13/13/12/12/10): No dump stats, nothing exceptional. Good for skill-focused characters.

Ability Modifiers

Your ability modifier is calculated as: (Score - 10) / 2, rounded down. A score of 14-15 gives you +2, 12-13 gives +1, 10-11 gives +0, and 8-9 gives -1. Racial bonuses can push your starting score above 15.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How does point buy work in D&D 5e?**

A: You start with 27 points and each of your six ability scores starts at 8. You spend points to raise scores: 1 point per increase from 8 to 13, then 2 points per increase from 13 to 14 and 14 to 15. The maximum before racial bonuses is 15. You can also leave scores at 8 to save points.

**Q: Is point buy better than rolling for stats?**

A: Point buy guarantees balanced characters across the table, so nobody has a character with all 18s while another has all 10s. Rolling (4d6 drop lowest) averages slightly higher but with high variance. Many groups prefer point buy for fairness, especially in longer campaigns.

**Q: What's the best point buy for a Fighter?**

A: A common Fighter point buy is STR 15, CON 14, DEX 13, WIS 12, CHA 10, INT 8 (27 points exactly). If you're going Dexterity-based, swap STR and DEX. For Eldritch Knights, you might want higher INT at the cost of CON or WIS.

**Q: Can I go above 15 with point buy?**

A: Not with points alone. 15 is the maximum for point buy. However, racial ability score increases can raise scores above 15. For example, a +2 racial bonus on a 15 gives you 17, which is a +3 modifier. This is why race choice matters for optimization.

**Q: What is a dump stat?**

A: A dump stat is an ability score you intentionally leave low (usually 8) to save points for your important abilities. For example, a barbarian might dump Intelligence and Charisma to max out Strength and Constitution. Just be aware that dump stats mean poor saving throws and skill checks in those areas.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/everyday/point-buy
Category: Everyday Life
Last updated: 2026-04-08