GAME & ENTERTAINMENT – RPG & CHARACTER BUILDING CALCULATOR
Pathfinder Combat
A precise tool.
What is the Pathfinder Combat & How does it work?
Pathfinder 2e combat revolves around a simple d20 roll plus an attack modifier compared against the target’s Armor Class (AC). The attack modifier is derived from proficiency, ability scores, and equipment bonuses.
When an attack hits, damage is calculated by rolling the weapon’s damage dice and adding any static modifiers. Because dice are random, players often estimate average damage to plan tactics.
By combining hit probability with average damage, we can compute the expected damage per attack, a useful metric for comparing weapons or strategies.
E_{damage}=P_{hit}\times\left(\frac{\text{DiceAvg}}{1}+\text{Mod}\right)
E_{damage} = expected damage per attack
P_{hit} = probability to hit
DiceAvg = average of weapon dice
Mod = static damage modifier
P_{hit} = probability to hit
DiceAvg = average of weapon dice
Mod = static damage modifier
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my attack modifier?
Your attack modifier is calculated by adding your proficiency bonus to your relevant ability score modifier (Strength for melee weapons, Dexterity for ranged weapons) and any equipment bonuses.
What is the formula for calculating expected damage per attack?
Expected damage per attack = Hit probability * Average damage. Hit probability is determined by comparing your attack roll to the target's Armor Class (AC). Average damage is calculated based on the weapon's damage dice and static modifiers.
How do I determine the hit probability?
Hit probability is determined by subtracting the target's AC from your attack modifier. If the result is positive, you have a chance to hit. The exact probability depends on the roll of the d20.
What factors affect average damage calculation?
Average damage is calculated by rolling the weapon's damage dice and adding any static modifiers such as ability score bonuses or magical enhancements.
Can I use this calculator for spells that deal damage?
Yes, you can adapt this calculator for spells by using the spell's attack roll modifier instead of a weapon's attack modifier and calculating average damage based on the spell's damage dice and any relevant modifiers.
How does critical hits factor into expected damage?
Critical hits double the damage dealt. You can include this in your calculations by considering the probability of rolling a critical hit (usually 19-20 on a d20) and doubling the average damage for those rolls.
What is the difference between static modifiers and dynamic modifiers?
Static modifiers are fixed bonuses or penalties added to your attack roll or damage calculation, such as ability score modifiers or equipment bonuses. Dynamic modifiers can change based on situational factors, like flanking bonuses or temporary stat boosts.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.