1. What is the 27 Point Buy System?

The 27 Point Buy system is a method for generating ability scores in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It allows players to customize their character's abilities by purchasing scores between 8-15 using a pool of 27 points.

2. How Does Point Buy Work?

The system uses the following point costs:

Where each ability score costs:

• 8 — 0 points
• 9 — 1 point
• 10 — 2 points
• 11 — 3 points
• 12 — 4 points
• 13 — 5 points
• 14 — 7 points
• 15 — 9 points

Explanation: The cost increases non-linearly, making higher scores more expensive to balance character creation.

3. Standard Point Buy Costs

Details: The standard array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8) costs exactly 27 points (9+7+5+4+2+0).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Select scores for each ability. The calculator will sum the points. Scores must be between 8-15 and total ≤27 points for standard point buy.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use point buy instead of rolling?
A: Point buy ensures balanced characters and prevents extreme high/low stats that can unbalance the game.

Q2: Can I go above 15 with point buy?
A: Not with standard point buy. Some DMs allow purchasing scores up to 17 at higher costs.

Q3: What if my race gives ability bonuses?
A: Racial bonuses are applied after point buy and can raise scores above 15.

Q4: Is 27 points the only option?
A: DMs may adjust this (e.g., 25 for low-power games, 30+ for high-power).

Q5: Can I have scores below 8?
A: Not with standard point buy, but some DMs allow it (usually with point refunds).