How the d20 roller works
Set the modifier with the − and + buttons (or type it), then tap Roll d20. The big number is the die as it landed and the total underneath includes your modifier. Switch on Advantage or Disadvantage to roll two d20s and keep the higher or lower; both dice stay on screen so the table can see them.
d20 odds at a glance
Each face of a fair d20 has a 1 in 20 chance (5%). That makes the chance of rolling a target number or higher easy to work out: every point you need below 21 is worth 5%.
| Need on the die | Chance |
|---|---|
| 2+ | 95% |
| 5+ | 80% |
| 8+ | 65% |
| 10+ | 55% |
| 11+ | 50% |
| 12+ | 45% |
| 15+ | 30% |
| 18+ | 15% |
| 20+ | 5% |
The average roll is 10.5. A +5 modifier shifts every row down by five, so a 15 becomes as easy as a natural 10.
When you roll a d20 in D&D
- Attack rolls: d20 + attack bonus against the target's Armor Class.
- Ability checks: d20 + ability modifier (+ proficiency if trained) against a Difficulty Class set by the DM.
- Saving throws: d20 + save bonus to resist a spell, poison or trap.
- Initiative: d20 + Dexterity modifier at the start of combat.
- Death saving throws: a plain d20; 10 or higher is a success, a natural 20 brings you back with 1 hit point.
Typical Difficulty Classes
DMs usually pick a DC from a short ladder. Compare it with the table above to see your chances before you roll.
| Task | DC | Chance on a plain d20 (no modifier) |
|---|---|---|
| Very easy | 5 | 80% |
| Easy | 10 | 55% |
| Medium | 15 | 30% |
| Hard | 20 | 5% |
| Very hard | 25 | needs at least +5 |
| Nearly impossible | 30 | needs at least +10 |
Need other dice too?
For damage dice and mixed rolls such as 1d8+1d6+3, use the full D&D dice roller. For a closer look at rolling two d20s, the advantage roller shows the exact odds.
Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Odds in the tables are worked out exactly, not simulated.