In Dungeons & Dragons, every character has six ability scores ranging from 1 to 30. The most relevant for melee attacks is Strength, while ranged attacks use Dexterity. From each ability score you derive an ability modifier, calculated as the floor of (Scoreβ―ββ―10) divided by 2.
Characters also gain a proficiency bonus that scales with level, typically ranging from +2 at level 1 to +6 at level 17β20. If a character is proficient with a weapon, this bonus is added to the attack roll; otherwise it is omitted.
The total attack bonus is the sum of the ability modifier and the proficiency bonus (when applicable). This can be expressed with the following formula:
How do I calculate my ability modifier in Dungeons & Dragons?
What is the proficiency bonus for a level 5 character?
How does proficiency affect my attack roll in D&D?
What ability score do I use for a ranged attack?
Can my character have multiple proficiency bonuses?
What is the maximum ability modifier in Dungeons & Dragons?
How does a character gain proficiency in a weapon?
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
