Cheat sheet
Roll resolution (Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition)
A 1-page summary of how to resolve rolls.
Quick blocks
How rolls work in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
D&D 5e resolves rolls with a d20: roll 1d20, add your ability modifier and proficiency bonus if it applies, and meet or beat a Difficulty Class (or the target's Armor Class for attacks). Advantage and disadvantage have you roll two d20s and keep the better or worse.
At-the-table steps
- Pick the check: ability, skill, attack, or saving throw.
- Roll 1d20 (two with advantage/disadvantage), add your modifiers.
- Meet or beat the DC (or AC) to succeed; a natural 20 on attacks is a critical hit.
Example: Stealth check, DC 15: Dexterity +3 and proficiency +2 means you succeed on a d20 roll of 10 or higher.