1. What is Armor Class in D&D 5e?

Armor Class (AC) represents how difficult it is to land a successful attack against a character in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. It's a key defensive statistic that combines natural agility, armor protection, and other factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic Armor Class formula:

Where:

• 10 — Base armor class for an unarmored character
• DEX modifier — Dexterity ability modifier
• Armor bonus — Protection provided by worn armor

Explanation: This formula represents the standard way to calculate AC for most characters. Some classes and armor types may modify this calculation.

3. Importance of AC Calculation

Details: Accurate AC calculation is crucial for combat effectiveness. It determines whether attacks hit you and is used for many defensive calculations in the game.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your character's Dexterity modifier and armor bonus. The calculator will sum these with the base 10 to determine your total AC.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for all armor types?
A: This is the basic formula. Heavy armor may limit DEX bonuses, and some classes have alternate calculations.

Q2: What's a good AC value?
A: Average is 10-14, good is 15-18, excellent is 19+. Values vary by character level and build.

Q3: How do I find my DEX modifier?
A: Subtract 10 from your Dexterity score, divide by 2, and round down. (DEX 14 → +2 modifier)

Q4: What about shields and other bonuses?
A: Shield bonuses (+2 typically) and magic items would be added to the armor bonus in this calculation.

Q5: Are there exceptions to this formula?
A: Yes, some classes like Barbarian and Monk have different base calculations, and certain spells/features can modify AC.