How to Calculate Wizard Known Spells in D&D
To calculate wizard known spells, you can use a simple formula: y = 2x + 4, where x is your Wizard level and y is the total number of spells known, with a starting point of 6 spells at level 1 and an additional 2 spells learned at each subsequent level, or you can directly look at the class table which tells you exactly how many spells you would know depending on your level. The spells known are the ones in your spellbook, from which you prepare a number of spells to cast each day equal to your Intelligence Modifier + Wizard Level, and these prepared spells are the ones you can cast as long as you have a spell slot for them.
Understanding Wizard Spells
Understanding how wizard spells work is crucial for any player looking to master the magical arts in D&D. A wizard can know a total of 6 spells at level 1, and learns 2 new spells at each subsequent level, which can be selected from the wizard spell list.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Many Spells Are Known Per Level for a Wizard?
A level 20 wizard knows 44 spells by default, learning 6 at level 1 and an additional 2 at every level after that, but can also learn any wizard spell encountered on a scroll or in another wizard’s spellbook.
2. What is the Difference Between Spells Known and Prepared for a Wizard?
Spells Known are spells in your spellbook, while Prepared Spells are the spells you’ve selected from your spells known to cast each day, equal to your Intelligence Modifier + Wizard Level.
3. Do Always Prepared Spells Count Against Spells Known?
Once you gain a domain spell, you always have it prepared, and it doesn’t count against the number of spells you can prepare each day.
4. What is the Difference Between Preparing Spells and Known Spells?
Preparing spells allows a character to cast any spell on their class’s spell list as long as they have available spell slots of the given level, without needing to commit to specific spells.
5. Do Cantrips Count as Prepared Spells?
A cantrip is a spell that can be cast at will, without using a spell slot and without being prepared in advance.
6. How Many Spells Can a LVL 1 Wizard Know?
At 1st level, you know three cantrips of your choice from the wizard spell list, and have a spellbook containing six 1st-level wizard spells of your choice.
7. What is the Best Wizard Level 1 Spell?
The best level 1 spell for a wizard can vary, but popular choices include Magic Missile, Burning Hands, and Detect Magic.
8. What D&D Class Has the Most Spells?
The Wizard class has the most spells, with no limit to the number of spells known, the largest spell list of full casters, and the greatest range of versatility.
9. Which Class Knows the Most Spells?
The Cleric class knows the most spells, with 10 spells always prepared from their Domain on top of their other spells known.
10. Do Pact Spells Count Against Spells Known?
Pact spells do not count against your number of spells known, and can be cast without using a spell slot.
11. How Long is a Short Rest in D&D?
A short rest is a period of downtime, at least 1 hour long, during which a character does nothing more strenuous than eating, drinking, reading, and tending to wounds.
12. How Many Spells Can a Level 4 Wizard Prepare?
The number of spells a wizard can prepare is equal to their Intelligence modifier + Wizard Level, and a level 4 wizard can prepare a number of spells based on this formula.
13. Do Magical Secrets Count Towards Spells Known?
Magical Secrets must count against the total number of spells known, as they are included in the bard spell progression.
14. Can a Wizard Learn More Cantrips?
A wizard can learn additional cantrips at higher levels, but is limited to a total of 5 cantrips unless they have access to additional cantrips through multi-classing or race/background perks.
15. Can Wizards Use Cantrips Without a Spellbook?
A wizard can still cast cantrips even without their spellbook, as cantrips do not require a spell slot or preparation to cast.