Skip to Content

Spell Save DC 5e

By: Author Kendra Bruning

Posted on Last updated:

Categories DnD Rules, DnD Spells, Dungeons & Dragons

Spell Save DC 5e

Learn All About Spell Save DC and Become Your Party’s Personal Superhero

No matter what we tried, we could not fend off the mage’s blistering spells. The flavor of her power was similar in every incarnation, and though she did not have many tricks up her sleeve, the one was strong enough to take us out of the game. It was almost as if her magic was fortified by some unseen hand…

What is Spell Save DC in DnD 5e?

Spell Save DC stands for Spell Save Difficulty Class and is the score that defenders need to beat to resist some spell attacks.

For some spells, spellcasters roll against the defender’s Armor Class (AC) score to determine the outcome. For other spells, the defender rolls against the attacker’s Spell Save DC. 

How does Spell Save DC work?

To defend against some spells, the target must beat the caster’s Spell Save DC.

Spell Save DC is  8 + the caster’s Proficiency bonus + the caster’s Spellcasting ability modifier. 

Spells needing saves tell you which ability the target needs to defend with (Dexterity, Constitution, etc.) The target must beat your Spell Save DC with that ability score to successfully defend.

A spell’s description will tell you if it uses Spell Save DC or not. It also tells you what ability your target can try to “save” themselves with (and get bonuses themselves based on that ability’s modifiers). 

A spell target uses a d20 roll + their proficiency bonus + their ability modifier for that spell to defend.

For example, if the spell tells you it needs a Constitution saving throw, this is the ability modifier the target would add to their total roll.

Your class description will tell you what ability you use for your Spellcasting Ability modifier, but the amount of bonus depends on the score. Your proficiency bonus depends on your level.

Here’s how the Proficiency Bonuses break down in 5e according to level:

Level vs Proficiency Bonus
Level Proficiency Bonus
1-4 +2
5-8 +3
9-12 +4
13-16 +5
17-20 +6

Spellcasting Ability Modifiers in 5e

These are the Spellcasting Ability modifiers for each class in 5e:

Intelligence

Charisma

Wisdom

How high each caster’s Spellcasting Ability modifier is depends on the base Ability Score for that ability (Intelligence, Charisma, or Wisdom).

Here’s how the Spellcasting Ability Scores in 5e break down per base Ability Score:

Base Ability Score Spellcasting Ability Modifier
1 -5
2-3 -4
4-5 -3
6-7 -2
8-9 -1
10-11 0
12-13 +1
14-15 +2
16-17 +3
18-19 +4
20 +5

DnD 5e Spell Save DC example

Here’s how Spell Save DC works:

Let’s say I am a Level 7 Druid with 18 Wisdom, which is the Spellcasting modifier for my class.

My Wisdom modifier would be +4 according to the chart above. 

My proficiency bonus would be +3 because at levels 5-8 your proficiency bonus is +3, and I am Level 7. 

Now, let’s calculate Spell Save DC:

You always start with 8.

8 + 4 (my Spellcasting Ability Modifier for Wisdom) = 12.

12 + 3 (my Proficiency bonus for being at level 7) = 15.

My Spell Save DC is 15. It’s that easy to calculate Spell Save DC in 5e!

But what about my target?

Let’s pretend I cast the spell Erupting Earth. The description for Erupting Earth tells me that the targets of Erupting Earth must make a Dexterity saving throw. 

5e determines which ability to use for a saving throw based on what makes the most sense for the spell. In the case of Erupting Earth, it makes sense that someone would need to use their Dexterity to dodge the fountain of dirt that is about to burst out of the ground.

The target must roll a d20, and pass 15 (my Spell Save DC) using their d20 roll + their Proficiency bonus + the ability modifier for Dexterity (since that is what Erupting Earth calls for).

The target is level 12, giving them a proficiency bonus of +1 according to the chart. Their Dexterity is 16, which gives them a +3. They roll a 10.

10 + 1 + 3 = 14, which is less than my Spell Save DC of 15! The enemy is buried in a sea of soil, taking the damage listed in Erupting Earth’s spell description.

That’s all there is to Spell Saves in 5e!

Spell Save DC 5e vs Spell Attack Bonus 5e

Some spells call for a Spell Attack Bonus on your end, instead of a Spell Save DC check by your opponent. Your Spell Attack Bonus is simply your Spellcasting Ability modifier + your Proficiency Bonus and is added to the total of your attack rolls with spells that call for it.

Usually, spells that are singular projectiles, like Scorching Ray, will use a spell attack bonus. These sorts of spells are closer to physical attacks than magic, so it makes sense to just calculate the damage.

How do you use Spell Save DC?

It’s one thing to know how Spell Save works, and another on how to use it well.

Each given spell will tell the target(s) what stat to roll for if it calls for a save. Mental-based spells, like Charm Person, usually call for Wisdom. Projectile or Area of Effect spells usually call for Dexterity. Some spells induce a status effect, and call for a save that makes sense for the status effect in question.

Though it might be fun to experiment with spells, ultimately you want to gear your character toward spells that synergize with your class’s Spell Save DC.

Try to match the Spells you choose with your spellcasting ability modifier, and be on the lookout for any way you can increase your Spell Save DC’s Ability Score while adventuring.

How do I increase Spell Save DC 5e?

You can increase spell save DC by choosing a race that gives you a spellcasting ability modifier boost, choosing feats that give you ability score boosts, or finding magical items that can do both. The easiest way to increase spell save is to level up, of course!

Increasing Spell Save DC in 5e with Racial Feats

Some races have bonuses to their Ability Score, so you can get your Spell Save DC really high if you choose a race with the same Ability Score modifier that your character uses for their Spellcasting Ability modifier. 

Here are the 5e races that can boost your Spellcasting Ability Modifier and overall Spell Save DC:

Race Intelligence Wisdom Charisma
Aasimar (Fallen, Scourge) +2
Aasimar (Protector) +1 +2
Aetherborn +1 +1 +2
Alseid +1
Aven (Hawk) +2
Aven (Ibis) 1
Centaur +1
Changeling +1 +2
Dwarf (Hill) +1
Dwarf (Kaladesh) +1
Dragonborn +1
Dragonkin (Wave/Tide) +1 +2
Dragonkin (Wind/Storm) +1 +2
All other Dragonkin +2
Elf (Drow) +1
Elf (Eladrin, High) +1
Elf (Kaladesh) +1
Elf (Shadow Fey)
Elf (Wood) +1
Elf (Zendikar Joraga) +2
Elf (Zendikar Mul Daya) +2
Elf (Zendikar Tajuru) +2 +1
Firbolg
Genasi (Fire)
Genasi (Water)
Githyanki
Githzerai
Gnoll (Savage)
Gnome (Deep, Forest)
Gnome (Rock)
Halfling (Lightfoot)
Half-Elf +1 +1 +2
Human +1 +1 +1
Kalashtar +2 +1
Kenku +1
Kobold (Midgard) +1
Kor +1
Lizardfolk (Southlands) +1
Lizardfolk (Volo’s) +1
Merfolk (Cosi/Trickster) +1 +2
Merfolk (Emeria/Wind) +2 +1
Merfolk (Ula/Water) +2 +1
Merfolk (Ixalan Blue) +2 +1
Merfolk (Ixalan Green) +2 +1
Naga +1
Ravenfolk +1
Shifter (Swiftstride) +1
Shifter (Wildhunt) +2
Siren +2
Tabaxi +1
Tiefling +1 +2
Tiefling (Dispater, Glasya, Levistus, Zariel) +2
Tiefling (Feral +1
Tiefling (Feirna) +1 +2
Triton +1
Trollkin (Night Whisper) +1
Vedalken +2 +1
Werelion +2
Vampire (Ixalan) +1 +2
Vampire (Zendikar) +1 +2
Warforged (Envoy) +1 to any two +1 to any two +1 to any two
Yuan-Ti Pureblood +1 +2

Increasing Spell Save DC in 5e with Feats

There are many feats in DnD 5e that can increase your Ability Scores by a few points. If you choose feats that boost Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma, then this will add to your Spell Save DC. 

GameCows Tip: It’s probably not worth it to sacrifice a feat just to chase high Spell Save DC! Feats are valuable and can be used in many situations, while Spell Save DC is for specific situations. Only choose Spell Save DC over feats if you have a very spell-heavy build.

Here is a list of feats that can boost Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma—the ability scores relevant to Spell Save DC:

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

What magic increases Spell Save DC?

For a while, you couldn’t increase your Spell Save DC in DnD 5e except with some very rare magic items, but then Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything added some nifty spellcasting focusing items that boost any spell’s DC when focusing through them. 

Increasing Spell Save DC with Magical Items

Most of these magical items can all give you a +1, +2, or +3 bonus depending on their rarity. +1 is Uncommon, +2 is Rare, and + 3 is Very Rare (and also requires attunement).

Here are the magical items in DnD 5e that can increase your Spell Save DC broken down by class:

Artificer

  • All-Purpose Tools

Bard

  • Rhythm Maker’s Drum
  • Reveler’s Concertina (+2 only)

Cleric, Paladin

  • Amulet of the Devout

Druid, Ranger

  • Moon Sickle

Sorcerer

  • Bloodwell Vial
  • Robe of the Archmagi (+2 only)

Warlock

  • Rod of the Pact Keeper
  • Robe of the Archmagi (+2 only)

Wizard

  • Arcane Grimoire
  • Robe of the Archmagi (+2 only)

Additionally, Arcane Tricksters, Artificers, Eldritch Fighter Knights, and Wizards can boost their intelligence with a few additional magic items: the Tome of Clear Thought and the Headband of Intellect.

The Tome of Clear Thought description states:

“This book contains memory and logic exercises, and its words are charged with magic. If you spend 48 hours over a period of 6 days or fewer studying the book’s Contents and practicing its guidelines, your Intelligence score increases by 2, as does your maximum for that score. The manual then loses its magic, but regains it in a century.”

The Headband of Intellect description states:

“Your Intelligence score is 19 while you wear this headband. It has no Effect on you if your Intelligence is already 19 or higher without it.”

Increasing Spell Save DC with Ioun stones

As described in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, Very Rare magical stones called Ioun stones can increase your Spellcasting ability modifier and thus overall Spell Save DC:

  • Ioun Stone of Insight (Very Rare). Your Wisdom score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20, while this incandescent blue Sphere orbits your head.
  • Ioun Stone of Intellect (Very Rare). Your Intelligence score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20, while this marbled scarlet and blue Sphere orbits your head.
  • Ioun Stone of Leadership (Very Rare). Your Charisma score increases by 2, to a maximum of 20, while this marbled pink and green Sphere orbits your head.

Spell Save DC 5e FAQs

How do you calculate Spell Save DC?

This is the equation for Spell Save DC is

8 + Spellcasting Ability Modifier + Proficiency Bonus.

You can also tack on bonuses from magical items on the end of the equation if you have magical items that boost the ability score of your Spell Save DC.

What is a good Spell Save DC 5e?

A good Spell Save DC is somewhere between 12-15, or at least half of what you think your opponents will manage to roll.

Remember that defense is based on a d20 roll + proficiency bonus + ability modifiers. If your target has a 50/50 shot of failing, that is considered a good Spell Save DC.

In DnD 5e, what’s the highest possible Spell Save DC?

The highest possible Spell Save DC in DnD 5e is 30.

First, you have to reach level 20 as a Multiclass Warlock/Cleric or Paladin. Then you have to acquire a large combination of magical items that boost your target ability score, such as Arcane Grimoire, Robe of the Archmagi, and Ioun stones.

What happens if you match a Spell Save DC?

A target must beat the Spell Save DC by at least 1 for a successful saving throw. Matching a spell save DC isn’t enough. Ties go to the caster, and the outcome plays out the same as if you outright failed.

Does the staff of power increase Spell Save DC?

No, the staff of power gives you a bonus on your own saving throws, but not your Spell Save DC.

Spell Save DC Cheat Sheet

What is the Spell Save DC for a 5e Arcane Trickster Rogue?

The spell save DC for an Arcane Trickster is 8 + Intelligence modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the Spell Save DC for a 5e Artificer?

The spell save DC for an Artificer is 8 + Intelligence modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Bard?

The spell save DC for a Bard is 8 + Charisma modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the Spell Save DC for a 5e Cleric?

The spell save DC for a Cleric is 8 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Druid?

The spell save DC for a Druid is 8 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for an Eldritch Knight Fighter?

The spell save DC for an Eldritch Knight Fighter is 8 + Intelligence modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Paladin?

The spell save DC for a Paladin is 8 + Charisma modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Ranger?

The spell save DC for a Ranger is 8 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Sorcerer?

The spell save DC for a Sorcerer is 8 + Charisma modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Warlock?

The spell save DC for a Warlock is 8 + Charisma modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a 5e Wizard?

The spell save DC for a Wizard is 8 + Intelligence modifier + proficiency bonus.

What is the spell save DC for a Way of the Four Elements Monk?

The spell save DC for a Way of the Four Elements Monk is 8 + WIS modifier + proficiency bonus.

D&D Player’s Handbook
D&D Player’s Handbook
$49.95 $24.74

Buy on Amazon Buy at Noble Knight
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/22/2023 01:30 pm GMT

Your Spell Save DC should be saved now. Now that you know all about Spell Saves, why not check out some other DnD 5e rules like Death Saving Throws 5e,