What Are the Different DnD Dice Used For?

If you're new to Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), the variety of dice can seem overwhelming at first. D4? D20? D%? What does it all mean?

In this guide, we’ll answer the question: What are the different DnD dice used for? From damage rolls to spell effects and ability checks, each die plays a unique role in bringing your fantasy adventures to life.

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🧙 Understanding DnD Dice: The Basics

A standard DnD dice set includes seven polyhedral dice. These are:

• D4 – Four-sided die
• D6 – Six-sided die
• D8 – Eight-sided die
• D10 – Ten-sided die
• D% – Percentile die (marked 00–90)
• D12 – Twelve-sided die
• D20 – Twenty-sided die

Each die has a specific function depending on your class, abilities, weapons, or spells. Let’s take a closer look.

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🎯 What Each DnD Die Is Used For

🔹 D20 – The Most Important Die

The D20 is the heart of DnD. It’s used for:

• Attack rolls
• Saving throws
• Ability checks (like stealth or persuasion)

If someone says “Roll for it,” they probably mean roll a D20.

🔹 D12 – Big Damage, Big Weapons

The D12 is often used for damage from powerful weapons like greataxes or class features for Barbarians. It’s less common, but when it shows up—it hits hard.

🔹 D10 & D% – Versatile Damage and Percentile Rolls

The D10 is used for:

• Damage rolls (e.g., Eldritch Blast, heavy crossbows)
• Class hit dice (Paladin, Fighter)

The D% (percentile die) is used with a regular D10 to roll a number between 1 and 100, typically for random tables, loot, or magical effects.

🔹 D8 – The All-Rounder

The D8 is used for many common spells, class abilities, and weapon types, including longswords and healing spells like Cure Wounds.

🔹 D6 – The Most Used Damage Die

The D6 is used constantly—especially by Rogues (Sneak Attack), Sorcerers (Fireball), and many basic weapons (shortswords, daggers).

🔹 D4 – Small But Mighty

The D4 is used for spells like Magic Missile or Bless, or as hit dice for Wizards and Sorcerers. It’s also the pointiest die—watch your feet!

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🎒 Do You Need All These Dice?

Yes! Each die plays a part in DnD’s rules. That’s why most players carry a full 7-piece polyhedral dice set.

Some classes or builds will favor certain dice more often. For example:

• Barbarians roll D12s for hit points and weapon damage
• Rogues roll multiple D6s for sneak attack
• Wizards often use D4s and D6s for spells

Many players bring extra dice for faster rolling or specific spells. And let’s be honest—it’s also fun to collect beautiful dice sets.

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🛍️ Where to Get a Full DnD Dice Set

If you’re ready to roll, you can find standard dice at most game shops. But if you want something unique and premium, check out our handmade dice at Ebonwood.

We offer:

• Sharp-edge resin dice
• Liquid core designs
• Custom inclusions like foil, shimmer, and dried florals
• Personalized engraving and premium packaging

→ Shop DnD Dice at Ebonwood

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✅ Summary: What Are the Different DnD Dice Used For?

• D20 – Attacks, checks, and saves
• D12 – Big weapon damage
• D10 / D% – Damage, hit points, and percentiles
• D8 – Weapons, spells, healing
• D6 – Common damage die
• D4 – Small spells and HP

Each die has a specific purpose in combat and roleplay. Knowing when and how to use them gives you an edge at the table—and makes the game more fun!

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📖 Learn More About DnD Dice

• → What Dice Do You Need for DnD?
• → How Many Dice Are in a DnD Set?

Or dive into our unique handcrafted collection:

→ Explore Our Dice Sets