Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo calculate a D&D saving-throw modifier, use the ability modifier for the save named by the effect, add your Proficiency Bonus if you are proficient in that specific save, then apply any other bonuses or penalties that affect the roll. Roll the d20 separately; advantage and disadvantage change which die result you use, not the modifier.
Calculate a saving-throw modifier in five steps
- Identify the save ability. Use the ability named by the effect: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.
- Find that ability’s modifier. Read it from your character sheet, or determine it from the ability score using the table below.
- Add proficiency only if it applies. Your class determines which saving throws you are proficient in. Add your Proficiency Bonus only to those saves.
- Apply other relevant adjustments. Add bonuses or penalties from features, spells, or circumstances that affect this particular roll.
- Roll and compare. Roll a d20, add the modifier and applicable adjustments, then compare the total with the save DC.
The 2024 Basic Rules describe the core calculation as the relevant ability modifier plus Proficiency Bonus when proficient in that kind of save. The 2014 Basic Rules use the same basic structure. Use the edition your campaign follows, since character options and other surrounding rules can differ.
Convert an ability score to its modifier
Use the score for the ability named by the save. For example, a Dexterity save uses the character’s Dexterity score, not the score of the creature or character that caused the effect.
| Ability score | Modifier |
|---|---|
| 1 | −5 |
| 2–3 | −4 |
| 4–5 | −3 |
| 6–7 | −2 |
| 8–9 | −1 |
| 10–11 | +0 |
| 12–13 | +1 |
| 14–15 | +2 |
| 16–17 | +3 |
| 18–19 | +4 |
| 20–21 | +5 |
| 22–23 | +6 |
| 24–25 | +7 |
| 26–27 | +8 |
| 28–29 | +9 |
| 30 | +10 |
This ability-score mapping appears in both the 2024 and 2014 rules. The official 2024 Basic Rules ability-modifier table gives the full range.
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Know when to add Proficiency Bonus
Proficiency is specific to a kind of saving throw. Having proficiency in Wisdom saves, for instance, does not make you proficient in all six saves. Check the saving-throw proficiencies granted by your class in the rules for your character’s edition.
For 2024 characters, the Proficiency Bonus depends on character level:
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| Character level | Proficiency Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | +2 |
| 5–8 | +3 |
| 9–12 | +4 |
| 13–16 | +5 |
| 17–20 | +6 |
These character-level values are listed in the 2024 Basic Rules. Do not use a monster’s Challenge Rating to determine a character’s bonus. The rules also say Proficiency Bonus cannot be added to a roll more than once.
Example: proficient Wisdom save
A character with Wisdom 14 has a +2 Wisdom modifier. If the character is level 5 and proficient in Wisdom saves, the 2024 Proficiency Bonus is +3, so the saving-throw modifier is +5 before any other adjustments (+2 + +3).
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Example: not proficient in Wisdom saves
With the same Wisdom score but no Wisdom-save proficiency, the modifier is +2 before other adjustments. Do not add Proficiency Bonus just because the save is being made.
Keep the modifier separate from the d20 and advantage
The modifier is the number added to the die result. Advantage or disadvantage changes how the d20 roll is made: roll two d20s and use the higher result with advantage, or the lower result with disadvantage. Then add the saving-throw modifier to the selected result. Neither condition is itself a flat bonus to the modifier.
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Saving-throw modifier versus spell save DC
A saving-throw modifier belongs to the creature making a save. A spell save DC is the target number an enemy must meet or beat when making a save against a spell. For a 2024 character, the formula is 8 + spellcasting ability modifier + Proficiency Bonus, as described in the official 2024 character-creation rules. The 2014 spellcasting rules also include any special modifiers that apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How monsters’ printed saving throws work
For a monster using the 2014 rules, use the bonus printed for a listed saving throw in its stat block. The 2014 monster rules explain that this value combines the relevant ability modifier with proficiency determined by Challenge Rating; it is not a character’s class-based saving-throw proficiency calculation. See the official 2014 monster rules.
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