The standard D&D dice set
Dungeons & Dragons uses polyhedral dice, meaning dice with different numbers of sides. A standard set has seven dice:
- One four-sided die (d4)
- One six-sided die (d6)
- One eight-sided die (d8)
- Two ten-sided dice (d10), one of which is marked in tens (00, 10, 20, up to 90) and is used as the percentile die
- One twelve-sided die (d12)
- One twenty-sided die (d20)
The “d” stands for die, and the number is how many sides it has. Many players also keep a few extra d6s on hand, because some spells and abilities call for several at once.
What each die is for
- d20: The most important die. You roll it for attacks, ability checks, and saving throws, then add modifiers and compare to a target number. If you want to learn how your attacks are compared to defense, see D&D 5e armor class explained.
- d12: Used for some heavy weapons, such as a greataxe, and for the hit die of the Barbarian.
- d10: Used for some weapons and spells, and the hit die for several martial classes.
- d8: A common damage die for medium weapons and some healing spells, and a common hit die.
- d6: Used for many weapons and spells, and the hit die for some casters.
- d4: The smallest die, used for small weapons and minor effects.
- Percentile dice: Rolled together, the tens die and a d10 give a number from 1 to 100. They are used in some tables and optional rules.
Your class determines your hit die, which is the die you use to gain hit points when leveling up. Our D&D class guide shows how classes differ.
Reading dice notation
Rules often use shorthand like 2d6+3. This means: roll two six-sided dice, add them together, then add 3. The number before the “d” is how many dice to roll, and the number after the plus is a fixed bonus. A roll such as 1d20+5 means roll one d20 and add 5.
When you roll a d10 for the ones digit and a tens die for the tens digit, a result of 00 and 0 usually means 100, though some groups treat it differently, so check with your DM.
Advantage and disadvantage
In fifth edition, some situations let you roll a d20 twice. With advantage, you take the higher result. With disadvantage, you take the lower. This is why many players like having more than one d20 handy.
Do you need more than one set?
Not at the start. One standard set is enough for a whole campaign, and many tables use one set per player. Having a second set can speed up play, since you can roll attack and damage dice together. If you play online, a virtual dice roller can replace physical dice entirely.
Materials and cost
Dice come in plastic, resin, metal, stone, and glass. Plastic and basic resin sets are generally the most affordable, while metal and hand-finished sets often cost more. Whether D&D is expensive depends on how you play, since the core rules and a basic dice set can be inexpensive, but books, miniatures, and premium dice add up. Sets from specialty makers vary widely in price, so compare before buying. To see what is out there, read about the best D&D dice sets.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find resin dice sets? Game stores, online dice shops, and general retailers sell them. Check reviews to see how crisp the numbers and edges are.
Do I need dice to make a character? You may not. Some groups use the standard array or point buy, which do not need dice. See D&D character basics for how these work.
What does “d” mean? It simply stands for “die” or “dice.”