{"id":286456,"date":"2025-07-18T01:43:50","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T01:43:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=286456"},"modified":"2025-07-18T01:43:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T01:43:50","slug":"how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/","title":{"rendered":"How many spells does a 20th level wizard know?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#Decoding_the_Arcane_How_Many_Spells_Does_a_20th_Level_Wizard_Know\" title=\"Decoding the Arcane: How Many Spells Does a 20th Level Wizard Know?\">Decoding the Arcane: How Many Spells Does a 20th Level Wizard Know?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#The_Wizards_Spellbook_A_Repository_of_Power\" title=\"The Wizard&#8217;s Spellbook: A Repository of Power\">The Wizard&#8217;s Spellbook: A Repository of Power<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#Finding_and_Transcribing_New_Spells\" title=\"Finding and Transcribing New Spells\">Finding and Transcribing New Spells<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#The_Theoretical_Limit_All_Wizard_Spells\" title=\"The Theoretical Limit: All Wizard Spells\">The Theoretical Limit: All Wizard Spells<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#1_How_many_spells_do_wizards_know_per_level\" title=\"1. How many spells do wizards know per level?\">1. How many spells do wizards know per level?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#2_What_spells_do_wizards_start_with_at_level_1\" title=\"2. What spells do wizards start with at level 1?\">2. What spells do wizards start with at level 1?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#3_Can_a_wizard_learn_more_cantrips\" title=\"3. Can a wizard learn more cantrips?\">3. Can a wizard learn more cantrips?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#4_Do_cantrips_count_as_spells\" title=\"4. Do cantrips count as spells?\">4. Do cantrips count as spells?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#5_Can_a_wizard_copy_cantrips_into_their_spellbook\" title=\"5. Can a wizard copy cantrips into their spellbook?\">5. Can a wizard copy cantrips into their spellbook?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#6_How_many_spells_does_a_2nd_level_wizard_know\" title=\"6. How many spells does a 2nd level wizard know?\">6. How many spells does a 2nd level wizard know?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#7_How_many_spells_should_a_13th_level_wizard_know\" title=\"7. How many spells should a 13th level wizard know?\">7. How many spells should a 13th level wizard know?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#8_Can_a_wizard_learn_spells_from_other_classes\" title=\"8. Can a wizard learn spells from other classes?\">8. Can a wizard learn spells from other classes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#9_What_happens_if_a_wizard_loses_their_spellbook\" title=\"9. What happens if a wizard loses their spellbook?\">9. What happens if a wizard loses their spellbook?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#10_Can_you_cast_two_leveled_spells_in_one_turn\" title=\"10. Can you cast two leveled spells in one turn?\">10. Can you cast two leveled spells in one turn?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#11_Are_cantrips_worth_it\" title=\"11. Are cantrips worth it?\">11. Are cantrips worth it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#12_Do_cantrips_remove_invisibility\" title=\"12. Do cantrips remove invisibility?\">12. Do cantrips remove invisibility?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#13_What_cantrip_does_the_most_damage\" title=\"13. What cantrip does the most damage?\">13. What cantrip does the most damage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#14_Can_you_cast_a_cantrip_as_a_bonus_action\" title=\"14. Can you cast a cantrip as a bonus action?\">14. Can you cast a cantrip as a bonus action?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/#15_Where_can_I_learn_more_about_using_games_in_education\" title=\"15. Where can I learn more about using games in education?\">15. Where can I learn more about using games in education?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Decoding_the_Arcane_How_Many_Spells_Does_a_20th_Level_Wizard_Know\"><\/span>Decoding the Arcane: How Many Spells Does a 20th Level Wizard Know?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>A 20th level wizard, at a minimum, knows <strong>44 spells<\/strong> in their spellbook. This is calculated by starting with the initial six spells learned at level 1 and adding two spells for each of the subsequent 19 levels (6 + 19 * 2 = 44). However, this is just the starting point! The true answer is far more complex, and ultimately depends on the wizard&#8217;s dedication to arcane knowledge and their adventuring experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Wizards are the ultimate scholars of magic, constantly seeking out new spells to add to their repertoire. The number of spells a 20th level wizard <em>could<\/em> know is significantly higher than 44, limited primarily by their access to <strong>spell scrolls<\/strong> and <strong>spellbooks<\/strong> containing new spells, as well as the time and resources required to transcribe them. A dedicated wizard could realistically possess a spellbook bulging with dozens, or even hundreds, of spells.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Wizards_Spellbook_A_Repository_of_Power\"><\/span>The Wizard&#8217;s Spellbook: A Repository of Power<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The wizard&#8217;s spellbook is more than just a notebook; it&#8217;s a magical grimoire containing the secrets to arcane power. It\u2019s important to understand the role of the spellbook in determining a wizard&#8217;s total spell count. This crucial item acts as a physical repository for the spells they\u2019ve learned, allowing them to prepare different spells each day. Without access to their spellbook, a wizard&#8217;s casting options are severely limited.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finding_and_Transcribing_New_Spells\"><\/span>Finding and Transcribing New Spells<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The core method for a wizard to expand their spell collection is by finding spells in the world. These can be in the form of <strong>spell scrolls<\/strong> looted from dungeons, ancient tomes discovered in forgotten libraries, or even spellbooks pilfered (or perhaps acquired through more diplomatic means) from other wizards.<\/p>\n<p>Once a new spell is discovered, the wizard can attempt to transcribe it into their own spellbook. This process requires time, gold (to purchase the necessary inks and parchment), and a successful Intelligence check if the spell is particularly complex or of a higher level. The rules governing transcription can vary slightly from campaign to campaign, so it&#8217;s important to clarify these details with your Dungeon Master.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Theoretical_Limit_All_Wizard_Spells\"><\/span>The Theoretical Limit: All Wizard Spells<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In theory, a wizard could learn every spell on the wizard class spell list. By last count, this amounts to approximately <strong>304 spells<\/strong>. Acquiring every spell would be a monumental task, requiring significant dedication, resources, and perhaps a bit of luck. Many spells are incredibly rare or hidden away in dangerous locales. However, a truly dedicated wizard with a long lifespan could strive to achieve this ultimate goal. This concept highlights the ongoing learning and research that define the wizard class in D&amp;D. The pursuit of magical knowledge is a core aspect of their identity.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_How_many_spells_do_wizards_know_per_level\"><\/span>1. How many spells do wizards know per level?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wizards automatically learn <strong>two spells<\/strong> of their choice for free each time they level up. These spells must be of a level for which they have spell slots.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_What_spells_do_wizards_start_with_at_level_1\"><\/span>2. What spells do wizards start with at level 1?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Wizards begin play with <strong>six 1st-level spells<\/strong> of their choice in their spellbook.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Can_a_wizard_learn_more_cantrips\"><\/span>3. Can a wizard learn more cantrips?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While wizards have access to a wider range of cantrips, they typically only learn <strong>a maximum of 5 cantrips<\/strong>. Further cantrip acquisition might require multiclassing or specific racial\/background features.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Do_cantrips_count_as_spells\"><\/span>4. Do cantrips count as spells?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, cantrips are considered spells, but they don&#8217;t consume spell slots and can be cast at will.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Can_a_wizard_copy_cantrips_into_their_spellbook\"><\/span>5. Can a wizard copy cantrips into their spellbook?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally, <strong>no<\/strong>. A wizard cannot typically copy cantrips from scrolls into their spellbook, as the spellbook reflects known spells.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_How_many_spells_does_a_2nd_level_wizard_know\"><\/span>6. How many spells does a 2nd level wizard know?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A 2nd level wizard would know the initial <strong>6 spells<\/strong> from level 1, plus <strong>2 spells<\/strong> gained upon leveling up, totaling <strong>8 spells<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_How_many_spells_should_a_13th_level_wizard_know\"><\/span>7. How many spells should a 13th level wizard know?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A 13th level wizard should know 6 (starting spells) + (12 levels * 2 spells\/level) = <strong>30 spells<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Can_a_wizard_learn_spells_from_other_classes\"><\/span>8. Can a wizard learn spells from other classes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Generally, wizards can only learn spells on the <strong>wizard spell list<\/strong>. To learn spells from other classes, they would need to multiclass.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_What_happens_if_a_wizard_loses_their_spellbook\"><\/span>9. What happens if a wizard loses their spellbook?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Losing a spellbook is a serious setback. A wizard would need to find or transcribe the spells into a new spellbook, a time-consuming and expensive process. Consider talking to your DM to figure out a potential side quest to retrieve your spellbook.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Can_you_cast_two_leveled_spells_in_one_turn\"><\/span>10. Can you cast two leveled spells in one turn?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The rules prevent casting two leveled spells on the same turn unless a specific ability, like the Fighter&#8217;s Action Surge, allows it. Generally, if you cast a spell as a bonus action, the only other spell you can cast that turn is a cantrip with a casting time of one action.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Are_cantrips_worth_it\"><\/span>11. Are cantrips worth it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, cantrips are incredibly valuable. They provide reliable damage or utility without expending spell slots. Classes like Wizards benefit greatly from having a diverse selection of cantrips.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Do_cantrips_remove_invisibility\"><\/span>12. Do cantrips remove invisibility?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, casting a cantrip does not automatically break invisibility unless the spell&#8217;s effect directly contradicts the invisibility condition.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_What_cantrip_does_the_most_damage\"><\/span>13. What cantrip does the most damage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While damage output can vary depending on circumstances, <strong>Eldritch Blast<\/strong> (for Warlocks) and <strong>Fire Bolt<\/strong> are often cited as the most damaging cantrips due to their damage dice and potential for scaling.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Can_you_cast_a_cantrip_as_a_bonus_action\"><\/span>14. Can you cast a cantrip as a bonus action?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Typically, casting a cantrip requires an action. However, some class features, like the Sorcerer&#8217;s <strong>Quickened Spell<\/strong> metamagic, can allow you to cast a cantrip as a bonus action.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Where_can_I_learn_more_about_using_games_in_education\"><\/span>15. Where can I learn more about using games in education?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For more information about the intersection of games and learning, visit the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong> website at <strong>https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/<\/strong> or visit <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong>. This website contains all the information you need to enhance your gameplay and game design skills.<\/p>\n<p>The number of spells a 20th level wizard knows is ultimately a reflection of their dedication, resourcefulness, and the opportunities presented to them throughout their adventuring career. While the baseline is 44 spells, a truly ambitious wizard can amass a vast collection, becoming a master of arcane lore.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Decoding the Arcane: How Many Spells Does a 20th Level Wizard Know? A 20th level wizard, at a minimum, knows 44 spells in their spellbook. This is calculated by starting with the initial six spells learned at level 1 and adding two spells for each of the subsequent 19 levels (6 + 19 * 2 &#8230; <a title=\"How many spells does a 20th level wizard know?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/how-many-spells-does-a-20th-level-wizard-know\/\" aria-label=\"More on How many spells does a 20th level wizard know?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-286456","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/286456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=286456"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/286456\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=286456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=286456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=286456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}