Ability score point buy calculator
Many tabletop role-playing games let you buy ability scores from a pool of points instead of rolling dice. Enter a score from 8 to 15 for each of the six abilities and any bonuses. The calculator adds up the cost with the standard table, shows how many points are left and gives the final scores and their modifiers.
Runs in your browser: nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use
- Set the points to spend, 27 in the standard rules.
- Enter the bought score for each ability, from 8 to 15.
- Enter any bonuses, such as +2 or +1, in the bonus boxes; leave 0 where there is none.
- Read the points spent and left, and for each ability the final score, its modifier, the bought score, the bonus and its cost.
How it works
| Score |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
| Cost |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
9 |
Points spent are the sum of the six costs; points left are the budget minus that. Final score = bought score + bonus, and modifier = (final − 10) ÷ 2 rounded down.
Example
The default spread 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8:
- cost 9 + 7 + 5 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 27, so 0 points left;
- with no bonuses: Strength 15 (+2), Dexterity 14 (+2), Constitution 13 (+1), Intelligence 12 (+1), Wisdom 10 (+0), Charisma 8 (−1);
- with +2 to Strength, that 15 becomes 17 (+3).
Tips
- Decide which abilities your character relies on most and put the 15 and 14 there.
- Pair odd scores with a +1 bonus: 13 + 1 = 14 raises the modifier, 14 + 1 = 15 does not.
- Point buy keeps a group’s characters balanced against each other, which is why many tables prefer it to rolling.
Frequently asked questions
How does the 27-point buy work?
Every ability starts at 8, which costs nothing. Raising it costs 1 point per step up to 13 (13 costs 5 in total), then 2 points per step: 14 costs 7 and 15 costs 9. With 27 points you can buy, for example, 15, 14, 13, 12, 10 and 8, which costs 9 + 7 + 5 + 4 + 2 + 0 = 27.
How is the modifier worked out?
Modifier = (score − 10) ÷ 2, rounded down. 10 and 11 give +0, 12 and 13 give +1, 8 and 9 give −1, 17 gives +3. That is why even scores are usually the most efficient: an odd score only pays off if a later bonus makes it even.
Where do the bonuses come from?
Depending on the game and edition, from your character's ancestry, background or similar choices, often +2 to one ability and +1 to another. They are added after buying, so a bought 15 with +2 becomes 17. Check your rulebook for what applies.
Can I spend more or fewer than 27 points?
Some tables use a higher or lower budget for stronger or weaker characters; change the points to spend. The cost table stays the same, and bought scores stay between 8 and 15.