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Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Ability Scores

All 6 ability scores available in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

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Choose from 6 different ability scores in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.

Ability Scores at a glance

Ability ScoreAbbreviationDerived StatsSummary
Strength (STR)STRMelee attack rolls, Damage (melee), Athletics, STR savesMeasures natural athleticism, bodily power, and physical force. Used for melee attacks, Athletics checks, and carrying capacity.
Dexterity (DEX)DEXAC, Initiative, Ranged attacks, DEX saves, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of HandMeasures agility, reflexes, and balance. Used for ranged attacks, AC, initiative, and finesse weapons.
Constitution (CON)CONHit Points, CON saves, Concentration checksMeasures health, stamina, and vital force. Determines hit points and resistance to effects like poison.
Intelligence (INT)INTWizard spellcasting, INT saves, Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, ReligionMeasures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason. The spellcasting ability for Wizards.
Wisdom (WIS)WISCleric/Druid/Ranger spellcasting, WIS saves, Perception, Insight, Medicine, Survival, Animal HandlingMeasures awareness, intuition, and insight. The spellcasting ability for Clerics, Druids, and Rangers.
Charisma (CHA)CHABard/Paladin/Sorcerer/Warlock spellcasting, CHA saves, Persuasion, Deception, Intimidation, PerformanceMeasures force of personality, persuasiveness, and leadership. The spellcasting ability for Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks.

Overview

All 6 ability scores in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, with what each one gives your character. Open any ability score for its full rules, tips, and FAQ.

All ability scores

str - Measures natural athleticism, bodily power, and physical force. Used for melee attacks, Athletics checks, and carrying capacity.

dex - Measures agility, reflexes, and balance. Used for ranged attacks, AC, initiative, and finesse weapons.

con - Measures health, stamina, and vital force. Determines hit points and resistance to effects like poison.

int - Measures mental acuity, accuracy of recall, and the ability to reason. The spellcasting ability for Wizards.

wis - Measures awareness, intuition, and insight. The spellcasting ability for Clerics, Druids, and Rangers.

cha - Measures force of personality, persuasiveness, and leadership. The spellcasting ability for Bards, Paladins, Sorcerers, and Warlocks.