What Dice Are Used in DND?
DND uses a standard 7-piece polyhedral dice set.
That set includes a D4, D6, D8, D10, D%, D12, and D20.
Once you understand the basic dice, you can explore our complete guide to the best DND dice types to compare resin, gemstone, liquid core, and other popular dice styles.
If you are new to Dungeons & Dragons, this may look confusing at first. But don’t worry. You do not need to memorize everything right away.
The simple answer is this:
The D20 is the die you use most often in DND.
You roll it for attacks, skill checks, ability checks, and saving throws.
The other dice are mostly used for damage, healing, spells, and random results.
So when people ask, “what dice are used in dnd?”, the best answer is:
DND uses a full 7-piece dice set, but the D20 is the main die you will roll most during gameplay.
How Many Dice In A Dnd Set?
A traditional D&D dice set has seven pieces, and includes one of each: D4, D6, D8, D10, D%, D12, and a D20
| Dice | Number of Sides | Common Use |
| D4 | 4 sides | Small damage, some spells |
| D6 | 6 sides | Weapon damage, spell damage |
| D8 | 8 sides | Weapons, healing, class features |
| D10 | 10 sides | Weapon damage, some spells |
| D% | Percentile die | Random tables, percentage rolls |
| D12 | 12 sides | Heavy weapon damage |
| D20 | 20 sides | Attacks, checks, saving throws |
These dice are called polyhedral dice because they have different shapes and different numbers of sides.
You do not need a huge dice bag to start playing.
For most beginners, one complete 7-piece DND dice set is enough.
What Is Each DND Die Used For?
Each die has a different job in the game.
Some dice decide if your character succeeds.
Some dice decide how strong the result is.
Here is a simple breakdown.
| Die | What It Does in DND | Example |
| D20 | Decides success or failure | Attacking a goblin, sneaking past a guard |
| D4 | Small damage or small spell effects | Dagger damage, Magic Missile |
| D6 | Common damage die | Shortbow damage, Fireball damage |
| D8 | Stronger weapon or healing die | Longsword damage, Cure Wounds |
| D10 | Bigger weapon damage or special rolls | Heavy crossbow damage |
| D% | Percentile results | Random treasure or encounter tables |
| D12 | Heavy damage | Greataxe damage, often used by Barbarians |
The easiest way to think about it is this:
D20 = “Do I succeed?”
Other dice = “How much happens?”
For example, you may roll a D20 to see if your sword attack hits.
If it hits, you then roll a D8 or D10 to see how much damage you deal.
Why Does DND Use Different Dice?
DND uses different dice because not every action should feel the same.
A tiny dagger should not deal damage like a huge greataxe.
A small healing spell should not feel like a massive fire spell.
A simple skill check should not work like a random treasure table.
That is why the game uses many dice.
The D20 decides success
Most important actions use a D20.
You roll a D20 when your character tries to:
- Hit an enemy
- Climb a wall
- Persuade an NPC
- Pick a lock
- Avoid a trap
- Resist a spell
- Make a death saving throw
This is why the D20 is the most iconic DND die.
Damage dice decide the result
After you succeed, you often roll another die.
For example:
- A dagger may use a D4
- A shortbow may use a D6
- A longsword may use a D8
- A greataxe may use a D12
This makes weapons feel different.
It also gives each class its own rhythm.
A Rogue may roll many D6s for Sneak Attack.
A Barbarian may love rolling a big D12.
A Wizard may roll several D6s for a damage spell.
When Do You Use Each Dice During a Real DND Game?
It helps to imagine a real session.
You are sitting at the table.
Your character sees a monster.
The Dungeon Master asks what you want to do.
Here is how dice usually appear in play.
1. Attack rolls
You attack with a sword, bow, spell, or weapon.
You roll a D20 first.
If the number is high enough, your attack hits.
Example:
You roll a D20 to attack a skeleton with your longsword.
2. Damage rolls
If your attack hits, you roll damage.
The damage die depends on your weapon or spell.
Example:
Your longsword hits. Now you roll a D8 for damage.
3. Skill checks
You roll a D20 when your character tries something uncertain.
This could be sneaking, climbing, lying, searching, or persuading.
Example:
You roll a D20 to sneak past a sleeping dragon.
4. Saving throws
A saving throw happens when your character tries to avoid danger.
This may be a trap, poison, spell, explosion, or monster ability.
Example:
A dragon breathes fire. You roll a D20 saving throw to avoid the worst damage.
5. Healing and spells
Many spells use dice.
Some healing spells use a D8.
Some damage spells use D6s or D10s.
Some smaller effects use D4s.
Example:
Your Cleric casts Cure Wounds and rolls a D8 to heal an ally.
6. Random tables
Dungeon Masters may use D% for random results.
This can include treasure, encounters, magic effects, or strange events.
Example:
The DM rolls D% to choose a random treasure from a table.
Do Beginners Need a Full DND Dice Set?
Yes.
Beginners should start with one full 7-piece DND dice set.
You can play with borrowed dice or digital dice apps.
But physical dice make the game feel better.
They sit next to your character sheet.
They become part of your character.
They make big moments more exciting.
For a first game, one set is enough.
But extra sets can help in some cases.
| Player Type | Recommended Dice Setup |
| New player | 1 full 7-piece set |
| Fighter | 1 set is usually enough |
| Rogue | Extra D6s are helpful |
| Wizard / Sorcerer | Extra D6s and D8s are useful |
| Cleric | A readable set with D8s matters |
| Barbarian | You may enjoy a bold D12 |
| Dungeon Master | Multiple full sets are very helpful |
If you play often, you may want more than one set.
This makes combat faster.
It also lets you match dice to different characters.
How to Choose Your First DND Dice Set
Your first dice set should be easy to use.
Looks matter.
But readability matters more.
A beautiful die is not very useful if you cannot read the number during combat.
For beginners, look for:
- Clear numbers
- Strong color contrast
- A complete 7-piece set
- Comfortable size
- A style you actually like
Here is a simple material guide.
| Dice Type | Best For | Notes |
| Resin dice | Beginners and regular play | Lightweight, colorful, practical |
| Gemstone dice | Collectors and gifts | Premium feel, heavier table presence |
| Crystal / glass dice | Display and magical characters | Bright, clean, dramatic look |
| Liquid core dice | Visual effect and fun rolls | Great for players who love motion and sparkle |
If you are buying your first set, resin dice are usually the safest choice.
They are practical for regular game nights and come in many colors. URDICE’s Resin Dice collection is positioned for durability and regular DND use, which makes it a natural fit for beginner-focused internal linking.
If you want something more premium, gemstone dice can feel special. URDICE describes its Gemstone DND Dice collection as hand-polished stone dice with a more jewelry-like tabletop feel.
For spellcasters, crystal or glass-style dice can match the feeling of magic, light, and arcane energy. URDICE also has a Glass & Crystal DND Dice collection focused on clarity and visual table presence.
