Spell Save DC in 5e: Formula, Table by Level and How to Raise It

How do you calculate spell save DC?

When your spell forces a creature to make a saving throw, it has to roll a d20, add its own save bonus, and meet or beat your spell save DC. The formula is the same for every class in both the 2014 and 2024 rules:

• Spell save DC = 8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier
• Spell attack bonus = proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier

Example: a level 5 cleric with 18 Wisdom has proficiency +3 and a +4 modifier, so DC 15 and a +7 spell attack. The DnD character sheet works both numbers out as soon as you enter your level and ability scores.

What is my spell save DC by level?

Find your level band (which sets your proficiency bonus) and your spellcasting modifier. Multiclass characters use their total character level for proficiency.

A modifier of +3 needs a 16 or 17, +4 needs 18 or 19, and +5 needs a 20. See the proficiency bonus guide for the full level table.

Which ability does each class use for spellcasting?

If you have two spellcasting classes, each class's spells use that class's ability. A Paladin/Cleric casts paladin spells off Charisma and cleric spells off Wisdom, so the two DCs can differ.

What does spell save DC mean for your odds?

Saves don't auto-succeed on a natural 20 or auto-fail on a 1 in either edition, so the math is plain: each point of DC is 5% more failures. Here is the chance a target fails a save against a few common DCs:

That's why picking the right save matters as much as raising your DC. A big brute usually has a poor Wisdom or Dexterity save; a lich or archmage has strong mental saves but often a weak Strength or Constitution. Targeting a +0 save instead of a +5 one is worth five points of DC. The saving throws guide covers how creatures roll them.

How do you raise your spell save DC?

• Max your casting ability: each +2 to the score is +1 DC. In the 2024 rules your background can add +2 to it at level 1, so a 15 becomes 17; Ability Score Improvement feats at levels 4 and 8 take it to 19 and then 20.
• Level up: proficiency rises at levels 5, 9, 13 and 17, adding +1 DC each time.
• Magic items: items that bonus your spell save DC, such as the Robe of the Archmagi (+2) or a Rod of the Pact Keeper (+1 to +3 for warlocks), stack with everything above.
• Weaken their save instead: conditions do the same job from the other side. A Restrained creature has disadvantage on Dexterity saves, and a Paralyzed one automatically fails Strength and Dexterity saves. See the conditions guide.

How do monsters get their spell save DC?

Monsters use the same idea, 8 + proficiency bonus + ability modifier, but you don't have to work it out: the stat block prints the DC for each spell or special action. A 2024 stat block lists it right in the Spellcasting entry or the action ("Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 15"). If you build a custom NPC caster, apply the formula with the creature's proficiency bonus from its Challenge Rating. A CR 5 mage-type with 18 Intelligence lands at DC 15, the same as a level 5 wizard with the same score.

Practical tips at the table

Write your DC next to your spell list and say it out loud when you cast: "Fireball, DC 15 Dexterity save." It saves a round of questions. If you aren't sure whether to prepare a save spell or an attack spell, compare your DC against your spell attack: they always move together, so the choice comes down to which defense the enemy has weaker, its AC or its save. A spell like Fireball also still deals half damage on a successful save, so it never fully wastes a turn.

FAQ

How do you calculate spell save DC in 5e?

Add 8, your proficiency bonus and the modifier of your class's spellcasting ability. A level 5 wizard with 18 Intelligence has DC 8 + 3 + 4 = 15.

What is the spell attack bonus in 5e?

Your spell attack bonus is your proficiency bonus plus your spellcasting ability modifier. It is always your spell save DC minus 8, so DC 15 goes with a +7 spell attack.

What is a good spell save DC at level 1?

DC 13 is the standard at level 1 (proficiency +2, modifier +3). Starting with a 17 in your casting ability, which the 2024 background bonus makes easy, gives the same DC 13 until you reach 18.

What is the highest spell save DC in 5e?

Without magic items it is DC 19: 8 + 6 proficiency + 5 from a 20 score. Items such as the Robe of the Archmagi or a Rod of the Pact Keeper add to it, and ability scores above 20 from certain features raise it further.

Is spell save DC the same in 2014 and 2024?

Yes. Both rule sets use 8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier, and every class uses the same spellcasting ability in both editions.

Related

• DnD Character Sheet
• Saving Throws in 5e: Full Guide
• Proficiency Bonus by Level in 5e
• Fireball 5e