How Does Point Buy Work?

August 06, 2024

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Jul 25, 2006

I have read in many threads about Point buys of 32 and 25 and the debate goes on and on.

What is the formula for a point buy system?

thanks

Jul 25, 2006

All ability scores start at 8.

Spend a point to increase a score by 1.

Spend an extra point to increase a score by 1 above 14.

Spend another extra point to increase a score by 1 above 16.

-Hyp.

Jul 25, 2006

The point buy method is described on pg. 169 of the 3.5 Dungeon Masters Guide. But it is not in the SRD.

Jul 25, 2006

DMG pg 169 - Ability Scores, 1. Standard Point Buy and 2. Non-Standard Point Buy.

Basically, you start at 8, then it costs whatever the current ability bonus is to increase the stat by 1, min 1. To go from 8 to 9 costs 1 point, or to go from 17 to 18 costs 3. You have an amount of points to spend however you see fit, usually 15 or higher.

I can attach an Excel sheet I use, of course, you need Excel to use it.
Type in point buy, type in stats, it'll do the rest.