How to Calculate If a Spell Hits in 5e: A Comprehensive Guide

To determine if a spell attack hits in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), you roll a d20, add your spell attack bonus, and compare the total to the target’s Armor Class (AC). If the result equals or exceeds the target’s AC, the spell hits. The spell attack bonus is calculated as your spellcasting ability modifier (Intelligence for Wizards, Wisdom for Clerics, Charisma for Sorcerers, etc.) plus your proficiency bonus.

Understanding Spell Attacks in 5e

What are Spell Attacks?

Not all spells in 5e require an attack roll. Some spells force the target to make a saving throw, while others have automatic effects. However, spells that involve hurling a bolt of energy, conjuring a ray, or making a direct magical assault often require the caster to make a spell attack roll. This roll represents the caster’s ability to aim and strike a target with their magical energy.

Calculating Your Spell Attack Bonus

Your spell attack bonus is the key component in determining if your spell hits. Here’s a breakdown of how to calculate it:

1. Identify Your Spellcasting Ability: This is the ability score that governs your spellcasting. It’s usually Intelligence for Wizards, Wisdom for Clerics and Druids, and Charisma for Sorcerers, Bards, and Warlocks. Check your class description to confirm.

2. Determine Your Spellcasting Ability Modifier: This modifier is derived from your spellcasting ability score. You can find the modifier using the following table:

   • 3 or Less: -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

3. Add Your Proficiency Bonus: Your proficiency bonus is determined by your character’s level. It starts at +2 at level 1 and increases at certain levels. Here’s a quick reference:

   • Levels 1-4: +2
   • Levels 5-8: +3
   • Levels 9-12: +4
   • Levels 13-16: +5
   • Levels 17-20: +6

4. Calculate the Total: Add your spellcasting ability modifier and your proficiency bonus together. This is your spell attack bonus.

Making the Attack Roll

Once you have your spell attack bonus, you’re ready to make the attack roll:

1. Roll a d20: This is a standard 20-sided die.

2. Add Your Spell Attack Bonus: Add the bonus you calculated to the result of the d20 roll.

3. Compare to the Target’s AC: If the total equals or exceeds the target’s Armor Class (AC), your spell attack hits! If the total is lower than the target’s AC, the spell misses.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you’re a 5th-level Wizard with an Intelligence score of 16.

1. Spellcasting Ability: Intelligence
2. Intelligence Modifier: +3 (from an Intelligence score of 16)
3. Proficiency Bonus: +3 (at 5th level)
4. Spell Attack Bonus: +3 (Intelligence Modifier) + +3 (Proficiency Bonus) = +6

When casting a spell that requires an attack roll, you would roll a d20 and add +6 to the result. If the total equals or exceeds the target’s AC, the spell hits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does a Natural 20 Always Hit with a Spell Attack?

Yes, a natural 20 (rolling a 20 on the d20) on a spell attack roll is always a hit, regardless of the target’s AC. This is a critical success, and often allows you to maximize the damage you deal.

2. What Happens on a Natural 1 on a Spell Attack Roll?

A natural 1 on a spell attack roll is always a miss, regardless of your spell attack bonus or the target’s AC. This is a critical failure. The DM might impose additional negative consequences based on the situation.

3. Do Spells Benefit from Advantage and Disadvantage?

Yes, spell attack rolls can benefit from advantage (rolling two d20s and taking the higher result) or suffer from disadvantage (rolling two d20s and taking the lower result). These conditions can significantly impact your chances of hitting or missing.

4. Can I Get Bonuses to My Spell Attack Rolls?

Yes, certain feats, class features, and magic items can grant bonuses to your spell attack rolls. For example, the “Improved Pact Weapon” invocation for Warlocks grants a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls made with your pact weapon.

5. What’s the Difference Between a Spell Attack and a Spell Save?

A spell attack requires the caster to make an attack roll against the target’s AC. A spell save forces the target to make a saving throw against the caster’s spell save DC. The type of attack is determined by the spell description.

6. How is My Spell Save DC Calculated?

Your spell save DC is calculated as 8 + your spellcasting ability modifier + your proficiency bonus. This is the number the target needs to meet or exceed on their saving throw to avoid the spell’s effects.

7. Does Cover Affect Spell Attack Rolls?

Yes, cover provides a bonus to a creature’s AC against attack rolls, including spell attack rolls. The amount of the bonus depends on the type of cover. Half cover gives +2 to AC, three-quarters cover gives +5 to AC, and full cover makes the creature an invalid target.

8. Can I Use Metamagic to Affect Spell Attacks?

Yes, Sorcerers can use Metamagic to modify their spells, and some Metamagic options can affect spell attacks. For example, the “Careful Spell” option can protect allies from area-of-effect spells that require attack rolls.

9. What if a Spell Doesn’t Require an Attack Roll or Saving Throw?

Some spells have automatic effects and don’t require an attack roll or saving throw. These spells typically have a specific range and target and automatically affect the target as described in the spell description.

10. Does My Weapon Attack Bonus Apply to Spell Attacks?

No, your weapon attack bonus (Strength or Dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus) does not apply to spell attacks. Spell attacks use your spellcasting ability modifier (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma) instead.

11. How do I Determine the Range of My Spell Attack?

The range of a spell attack is specified in the spell description. It could be a specific distance (e.g., 30 feet), a line, a cone, or a radius. Pay attention to the range to ensure you can legally target a creature with the spell.

12. Can I Make a Spell Attack of Opportunity?

No, you cannot typically make a spell attack as an opportunity attack. Opportunity attacks are usually made with melee weapons. However, some feats or class features might allow you to cast specific spells as a reaction.

13. Can I Cast Two Spells in One Turn?

The rules for casting multiple spells on one turn are restrictive. You can only cast two spells in one turn if one of them is a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action, and the other is cast as a bonus action. For example, casting Healing Word as a bonus action would only allow you to cast a cantrip, such as Fire Bolt, as your action.

14. How Does Being Prone Affect Spell Attacks?

Being prone imposes disadvantage on attack rolls when you are attacking a creature that is not prone. The DM will have the final say and will decide if the roll is made at disadvantage or not.

15. How Do I Improve My Chances of Hitting with Spell Attacks?

To improve your chances of hitting with spell attacks, focus on increasing your spellcasting ability score, gaining proficiency bonus increases as you level up, and seeking out items or features that grant bonuses to attack rolls or spell attack rolls specifically. Understanding the combat rules will help you with this.

Continuing Your D&D Education

Understanding the mechanics of spell attacks is crucial for any spellcasting character in 5e. Explore the world of gaming and education further at the Games Learning Society.

This guide should equip you with the knowledge to accurately calculate spell attacks and make informed decisions during combat encounters. Remember to consult the Player’s Handbook and your DM for specific rulings and interpretations.