Ability score

An ability score is a numeric representation of one of a character or creature's physical or mental attributes.

Since the original Dungeons & Dragons rules, the six ability scores used in D&D have been strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma. The standard order in which they are listed on the character sheet varies between editions of the rules, and some optional rulebooks have added other ability scores.

Rules

Character generation

Traditionally, each of a D&D character's ability scores range between 3 and 18. In the original Dungeons & Dragons rules published in 1974, each ability score is equal to the total of a roll of three six-sided dice (3d6). This gives a bell curve tending strongly toward average scores, with 10 and 11 most common result.

Later editions of Dungeons & Dragons use varying methods of generating ability scores, but have always retained the traditional 3-18 range. For example, the standard in D&D third edition is 4d6 drop lowest: four six-sided dice are rolled, the lowest-scoring die is discarded, and the total of the remaining three. This gives slightly higher statistics than average.

From Dungeons & Dragons third edition onward, all monsters also have ability scores.

Statistics

Score	3d6	4d6 drop lowest
3	0.46%	0.08%
4	1.39%	0.31%
5	2.78%	0.77%
6	4.63%	1.62%
7	6.94%	2.93%
8	9.72%	4.78%
9	11.57%	7.02%
10	12.50%	9.41%
11	12.50%	11.42%
12	11.57%	12.89%
13	9.72%	13.27%
14	6.94%	12.35%
15	4.63%	10.11%
16	2.78%	7.25%
17	1.39%	4.17%
18	0.46%	1.62%

External links

• 4d6 Drop Lowest at AnyDice