Attack Bonus Formula:
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The Attack Bonus in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition represents your character's skill and ability to successfully hit a target in combat. It combines your character's training (proficiency bonus) with their natural aptitude (ability modifier) for the type of attack being made.
The standard formula for attack bonus is:
Where:
Example: A 5th level fighter (+3 proficiency) with 16 Strength (+3 modifier) would have a +6 attack bonus with most weapons.
Details: Your attack bonus determines what you need to roll on a d20 to hit an opponent's Armor Class (AC). A higher attack bonus means you're more likely to hit your target and deal damage in combat.
Tips: Enter your character's current proficiency bonus (based on level) and the relevant ability modifier for the attack type. The calculator will sum these values to give your total attack bonus.
Q1: What if I have a magic weapon?
A: Magic weapons typically add an additional bonus (e.g., +1, +2, +3) to both attack and damage rolls. Add this to your calculated attack bonus.
Q2: Does this work for spell attacks?
A: Yes, spell attacks use your spellcasting ability modifier (Intelligence for wizards, etc.) plus your proficiency bonus.
Q3: What about two-weapon fighting?
A: The bonus action attack with two-weapon fighting doesn't add your ability modifier to the attack bonus (unless you have the Two-Weapon Fighting style).
Q4: How does Archery Fighting Style affect this?
A: The Archery Fighting Style adds +2 to attack rolls with ranged weapons, which would be in addition to your calculated attack bonus.
Q5: What's a good attack bonus at each level?
A: At level 1, +4 to +5 is typical. By level 20, +11 is common for martial characters with maxed ability scores.