1. What is Spell Attack Bonus?

The Spell Attack Bonus is used in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition when a spell requires an attack roll. It represents how accurate your spell attacks are, combining your character's training (proficiency) and natural magical talent (ability modifier).

2. How to Calculate Spell Attack Bonus

The formula for calculating Spell Attack Bonus is:

Where:

• Proficiency Bonus - Based on character level (ranges from +2 to +6)
• Spellcasting Ability Modifier - Depends on your class's primary spellcasting ability (Intelligence for Wizards, Charisma for Sorcerers, etc.)

3. Importance in Gameplay

Game Mechanics: Your Spell Attack Bonus is added to d20 rolls when casting spells that require attack rolls. A higher bonus increases your chance to hit targets with spells like Fire Bolt or Guiding Bolt.

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter your character's current proficiency bonus and spellcasting ability modifier. Both values are typically positive numbers, though ability modifiers can be negative for weaker characters.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know my proficiency bonus?
A: It's based on character level. +2 at levels 1-4, +3 at 5-8, +4 at 9-12, +5 at 13-16, and +6 at 17-20.

Q2: Which ability modifier do I use?
A: Depends on your class: Intelligence (Wizards), Wisdom (Clerics, Druids), or Charisma (Sorcerers, Warlocks, Bards).

Q3: Do magic items affect this?
A: Yes, items that boost your spellcasting ability score or provide attack bonuses will increase your spell attack bonus.

Q4: Is this the same as spell save DC?
A: No, spell save DC is calculated differently (8 + proficiency + ability mod).

Q5: Can this be negative?
A: Technically yes if your ability modifier is negative enough, but this is very rare in practice.