Home/Rules/Core Mechanics/Proficiency Bonus

Proficiency Bonus

The proficiency bonus is added to attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws when you're proficient. It scales with character level from +2 to +6.

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What Is Proficiency Bonus?When to Add Proficiency BonusExpertise (Double Proficiency)Common MistakesDM Tips

What Is Proficiency Bonus?

Your proficiency bonus represents your training and experience. It's a number that scales with your total character level, not class level.

Character LevelProficiency Bonus
1-4+2
5-8+3
9-12+4
13-16+5
17-20+6

Key Points:

  • Based on TOTAL character level (not individual class levels)
  • Increases every 4 levels
  • Multiclass characters use their combined level

When to Add Proficiency Bonus

Attack Rolls:

  • Weapons you're proficient with
  • Spell attacks (if you're a spellcaster)

Ability Checks:

  • Skills you're proficient in
  • Tools you're proficient with

Saving Throws:

  • Saving throws your class grants proficiency in
  • Saving throws gained from feats or other features

Spell Save DC:

  • 8 + proficiency bonus + spellcasting ability modifier

Expertise (Double Proficiency)

Some features let you double your proficiency bonus for certain checks:

Classes with Expertise:

  • Rogue: 2 skills at level 1, 2 more at level 6
  • Bard: 2 skills at level 3, 2 more at level 10
  • Ranger (Canny): 1 skill

Other Sources:

  • Skill Expert feat: Expertise in one skill
  • Prodigy feat (human/half-elf/half-orc): Expertise in one skill
  • Some subclass features

Example: A level 5 Rogue with +4 Dexterity and Expertise in Stealth rolls: d20 + 4 (Dex) + 6 (double proficiency) = d20 + 10

Common Mistakes

Common Mistake
Adding proficiency to damage rolls (it only applies to attack rolls)
Common Mistake
Forgetting to add proficiency to spell attack rolls
Common Mistake
Using class level instead of total character level for multiclass
Common Mistake
Adding proficiency to ability checks when not proficient

DM Tips

DM Tip
Proficiency increases at levels 5, 9, 13, and 17
DM Tip
Bounded accuracy means proficiency matters more at low levels
DM Tip
Expertise breaks bounded accuracy - plan accordingly
DM Tip
Remember NPCs also scale their proficiency by CR