Quick Answer: New D&D players need a set of 7 dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and d100 (two d10s). The d20 is the most important — you roll it for attacks, skill checks, and saving throws. Add your character's modifier to the result and compare to the target number (DC or AC).
The Seven Dice and When to Roll Them
- d4: Rolled for small weapon damage (daggers, quarterstaffs), healing spells, and random small tables
- d6: Rolled for medium weapon damage (shortswords, handaxes), some spells (Fireball = 8d6), and hit points for rogues and fighters
- d8: Rolled for medium-large weapon damage (longsword, rapier) and cleric/ranger hit points
- d10: Rolled for heavy weapon damage and fighter/paladin hit points. Two d10s make a d100
- d12: Rolled for greataxe damage and barbarian hit points — barbarians are famous for their powerful d12 hit die
- d20: The core die. Rolled for attack rolls, skill checks, saving throws, and initiative
- d100: Two d10s together. Used for wild magic surges, random encounter tables, and percentile checks
How Modifiers Work
Almost every die roll in D&D includes a modifier — a fixed number added to or subtracted from the die result. Modifiers come from your ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), proficiency bonus, and spell effects. If you roll a d20 for an attack and get 14, then add your attack modifier (+5), your total is 19, which you compare to the enemy's Armor Class (AC).
Critical Hits and Critical Failures
Rolling a natural 20 (the die shows 20 before any modifier) on an attack roll is a Critical Hit — you roll double the weapon's damage dice. Rolling a natural 1 is a Critical Failure (or Fumble) — the attack misses regardless of modifiers. Natural 20s and 1s only apply to attack rolls in official rules, though many Dungeon Masters apply them to skill checks too.
Rolling D&D Dice Online
PickRandom.online provides free online dice rolling. Use the 3D Dice Roller for d6 rolls. For all other dice, use the Random Number Generator with the appropriate range (d20 = Min 1, Max 20; d12 = Min 1, Max 12, etc.). No account required — works on any device.