D&D Stat Roller (4d6 Drop Lowest)

The 4d6 drop lowest method is the most popular way to roll ability scores in D&D 5e.

The Process:
1. Roll four six-sided dice (4d6)
2. Remove the lowest die result
3. Sum the remaining three dice
4. This gives you one ability score (range: 3-18)
5. Repeat this process six times for all six ability scores

Example Roll:

• You roll: 4, 6, 2, 5
• Drop the lowest (2)
• Sum the rest: 4 + 6 + 5 = 15

After Rolling:

• Assign each of your six results to your six ability scores however you want
• Apply racial bonuses to the final assigned scores
• There's no rule requiring you to assign them in order

Expected Results:
The average result for 4d6 drop lowest is approximately 12.24 per ability score, with a total array average around 73.5.

Score Probabilities:

• 18: ~1.6% (rare but exciting)
• 17: ~4.2%
• 16: ~7.3%
• 15: ~10.1%
• 14: ~12.3%
• 13: ~13.3%
• 12: ~13.0%
• 11: ~11.4%
• 10: ~9.4%
• 9 or lower: ~17.4%

What This Means:

• Most results fall between 10-15
• Getting an 18 is exciting but not expected
• Getting multiple scores below 10 is uncommon
• The "drop lowest" mechanic skews results higher than straight 3d6

Comparing to Other Methods:

• Standard Array (72 total): 4d6 drop lowest averages slightly higher
• Point Buy (72-75 equivalent): Rolling can exceed point buy's 15 maximum
• 3d6 straight (average 10.5 per stat): 4d6 drop lowest is significantly better

Many groups modify the standard rolling method. Here are common variants:

Roll 4d6 Drop Lowest (Standard):

• As described above
• Most common method
• PHB official method

3d6 Straight:

• Roll 3d6 and take the total
• More random, lower average
• "Old school" D&D feel
• Can result in very weak characters

4d6 Drop Lowest, Reroll 1s:

• Any 1s are rerolled before dropping
• Higher average scores
• Minimum score is 6 instead of 3

Roll 4d6 Seven Times, Drop Lowest Array:

• Roll seven sets of 4d6 drop lowest
• Discard your worst result
• Gives one "free" bad roll

Group Array:

• One player rolls six stats
• Everyone uses the same array
• Ensures party balance while keeping randomness

Roll Two Arrays, Pick One:

• Roll two complete sets of stats
• Choose which array to use
• Safety net for bad rolls

Minimum Total Rule:

• If your total (sum of all six) is below a threshold (often 70 or 72), reroll everything
• Prevents extremely weak characters

DM Considerations:
Before rolling, discuss with your DM which method they prefer and what safety nets exist for poor rolls.

Priority by Class:

After rolling, you need to assign each number to an ability. Here's general guidance:

Primary Stat First:

• Barbarian, Fighter (melee): Strength
• Ranger, Rogue, Fighter (ranged): Dexterity
• Wizard, Artificer: Intelligence
• Cleric, Druid, Monk: Wisdom
• Bard, Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock: Charisma

Constitution is Always Second:
Every character needs hit points. Put your second-best roll in Constitution.

Dump Stats:
Your lowest rolls typically go to stats your class doesn't use:

• Casters can usually dump Strength
• Barbarians can dump Intelligence
• Dexterity is hard to dump (AC, initiative, common saves)
• Wisdom is risky to dump (many dangerous effects target WIS saves)

Example Assignment (Fighter):
Rolls: 16, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8

• STR: 16 (primary attack stat)
• CON: 14 (HP and concentration)
• DEX: 13 (AC in medium armor, initiative)
• WIS: 12 (saving throws)
• CHA: 10 (social situations)
• INT: 8 (dump stat)

Consider Racial Bonuses:
If your race gives +2 DEX and you rolled 16, 15, 14, 13, 10, 8:

• You might put 14 in DEX (becomes 16 with racial)
• Put 16 in your secondary stat
• This spreads your power more evenly

Table Rules:

Roll in Front of the Group:
Most DMs require stats be rolled where everyone can see. This prevents "miraculously good" home rolls.

Use Designated Dice:
Some tables require specific dice or a dice roller app to prevent loaded dice (even unintentional manufacturing defects).

Accept What You Roll:
Part of the fun of rolling is embracing randomness. A character with 8 Charisma is an opportunity for roleplay, not a failure.

Discuss Rerolls Beforehand:
Before anyone rolls, the group should agree on:

• What happens if someone rolls terribly?
• Is there a minimum total allowed?
• Can you use Standard Array as a backup?

Don't Cheat:
Seriously. It's a game with friends. Nobody cares if your Wizard has 18 INT instead of 16. Rolling high doesn't make you a better player.

Celebrate and Commiserate:
Rolling stats is a shared experience. Cheer for good rolls, sympathize with bad ones. It builds party camaraderie before the game even starts.

Record Everything:
Write down your stats immediately. Take a photo if using physical dice. You don't want disputes later about what you rolled.