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. It's a key defensive statistic in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition that combines armor, dexterity, and other protective factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the base AC formula:

Where:

• Base AC — Starts at 10 for all characters
• DEX modifier — Your Dexterity ability modifier
• Armor bonus — Depends on armor type (some limit DEX bonus)
• Other modifiers — Includes shields, magic items, spells, etc.

Explanation: The equation accounts for both natural agility (DEX) and protective equipment.

3. Importance of AC Calculation

Details: Accurate AC calculation is crucial for combat effectiveness. Attackers must roll equal to or higher than your AC to hit you in combat.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your Dexterity modifier (from -5 to +5), armor bonus (0 if unarmored), and any other permanent modifiers. Temporary bonuses should be added during gameplay.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does AC change with different armor types?
A: Yes. Heavy armor limits DEX bonuses, while light armor allows full DEX bonus.

Q2: What's a good AC value?
A: Early game: 14-16 is decent. High-level characters often have 18-22 AC.

Q3: Can AC be too high?
A: While rare, some DMs may adjust encounters if AC is extremely high.

Q4: Do shields stack with armor?
A: Yes, shields provide +2 AC that stacks with armor bonuses.

Q5: What about natural armor?
A: Some races/monsters use different base AC calculations (like 13 + DEX).