D&D Spell Save DC Calculator
Calculate your D&D 5e Spell Save DC.
Enter your level, spellcasting modifier, and any item bonus to find the difficulty class enemies must beat.
What Is a Spell Save DC?
When you cast a spell that forces enemies to make a saving throw, they must roll a d20 and add their saving throw bonus. If their total equals or beats your Spell Save DC, they succeed (and usually take half damage or avoid the effect).
Formula
Spell Save DC = 8 + Proficiency Bonus + Spellcasting Ability Modifier + Item Bonus
All spellcasters are always proficient in their Spell Save DC — you never roll for it.
Spellcasting Ability by Class
| Ability | Classes |
|---|---|
| Intelligence | Wizard, Artificer, Eldritch Knight (Fighter) |
| Wisdom | Cleric, Druid, Ranger, Arcane Trickster (Rogue) |
| Charisma | Bard, Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock |
Proficiency Bonus by Level
| Levels | Proficiency Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | +2 |
| 5–8 | +3 |
| 9–12 | +4 |
| 13–16 | +5 |
| 17–20 | +6 |
Practical Example
A level 11 Wizard with INT modifier +5 and no magic items: Spell Save DC = 8 + 4 + 5 = DC 17. Enemies need to roll 17 or higher on a d20 plus their saving throw bonus to resist. That is very hard — only those with strong saves will succeed consistently.
Item Bonuses
Items like a Staff of Power or Arcane Grimoire can add +1 to +3 to your Spell Save DC. These are powerful items and should be considered legendary treasure.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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