D&D 5e Hit Points Rules – Complete Guide
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
This page details the official **Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) hit points (HP) rules** from the Player’s Handbook (PHB), including **2024 revisions** and previews of **2026 epic boons**. Use our free D&D HP Calculator to apply these rules instantly – supports multiclass, feats, racial bonuses, and combat simulations.
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Core Hit Points Rules (PHB p.15, 2024 Edition)
Hit points measure your character’s vitality. When you drop to 0 HP, you fall unconscious and make death saving throws.
Level 1 HP Calculation
Always: Maximum value on your class’s hit die + Constitution modifier.
- Example: Wizard (d6 hit die, CON +1): 6 + 1 = 7 HP.
- No choice here – it’s mandatory for all characters.
HP at Higher Levels (Levels 2+)
Choose one method per level (DM may house rule):
- Average: Fixed value (rounded up) + CON mod. Balanced and quick.
- Rolled: Roll the hit die (1dX) + CON mod. Risky but flavorful.
- Maximum: Full hit die value + CON mod. For min-maxing.
Example (Barbarian d12, CON +3, Levels 2-3 Average): 7 + 3 = 10 HP per level.
Class Hit Dice Table (All Official Classes, 2024 PHB)
| Class | Hit Die | Max Value | Average Value (Levels 2+) | Level 20 Max HP (CON +5, Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificer | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Barbarian | d12 | 12 | 7 | 335 |
| Bard | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Blood Hunter (Homebrew) | d10 | 10 | 6 | 320 |
| Cleric | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Druid | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Fighter | d10 | 10 | 6 | 320 |
| Monk | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Paladin | d10 | 10 | 6 | 320 |
| Ranger | d10 | 10 | 6 | 320 |
| Rogue | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Sorcerer | d6 | 6 | 4 | 280 |
| Warlock | d8 | 8 | 5 | 300 |
| Wizard | d6 | 6 | 4 | 280 |
Multiclass HP Rules (PHB p.163)
When multiclassing, use each class’s hit die for levels in that class. Total levels determine features, but HP is per-class.
Example: Fighter 8 / Wizard 12 (CON +2):
- Fighter L1: 10 + 2 = 12
- Fighter L2-8: 6 + 2 = 8 x 7 = 56
- Wizard L9: 6 + 2 = 8
- Wizard L10-20: 4 + 2 = 6 x 11 = 66
- Total: 142 HP
Calculator supports unlimited multiclass – add classes dynamically!
Feats and Racial Bonuses Affecting HP
Key Feats (Tasha’s Cauldron / PHB)
- Tough: +2 HP per level (retroactive – +40 at 20! Prerequisite: None.)
- Resilient (Constitution): +1 CON + proficiency in CON saves.
- Ability Score Improvement (ASI): Boost CON for +HP/level.
Racial/Lineage Bonuses
- Hill Dwarf: +1 HP per level.
- Draconic Sorcerer Resilience: +1 HP/level (scales with CHA).
- Reborn Lineage: Temp HP options.
Best Tank Build: Hill Dwarf Barbarian + Tough + Max CON = 400+ HP at 20.
2024 Player’s Handbook Updates
Core HP formula unchanged. Key addition:
- Bloodied Condition: At half HP or less – triggers abilities like certain weapons or spells.
- Healing: Still restores to max; no over-healing except temp HP.
2026 Epic Boons (Preview Support)
High-level (20+) boons like:
- Boon of Fortitude: +40 max HP.
- Boon of Irresistible Offense: Indirect survivability.
Toggle in calculator’s Advanced Options – DM approval required for home games.
Additional Rules: Temp HP, Death Saves, Healing
- Temporary HP: Doesn’t stack; replaces lowest layer. Use HP Buffer in calculator.
- Death Saves: At 0 HP: Roll d20 (10+ success). 3 successes = stable; 3 fails = death.
- Healing Efficiency: Calculator shows % effective healing (e.g., 80% prevents over-heal waste).
House Rules and Variants
Common DM tweaks:
- Standard Array for CON (15 for +2-3 mod).
- Heroic HP: Average or max only.
- Point Buy: Link to our Point Buy Calculator for optimal CON.
This guide matches official sources. For full text: Wizards of the Coast PHB. Unofficial fan tool – see Disclaimer.
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