Roll a D20

Virtual 20-sided die roller for tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons

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Roll the die to begin

Roll History

About the D20 Die

The 20-sided die, commonly known as a D20, is the most iconic die used in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. This icosahedron-shaped die is typically used to determine the success or failure of actions in the game, from attacking enemies to persuading NPCs or making skill checks.

The Importance of D20 in RPGs

In most RPG systems, the D20 forms the core of the game mechanics. Players roll a D20, add relevant modifiers based on their character's abilities, and compare the result to a target number to determine success. The higher the roll, the better the outcome, with a natural 20 often representing a "critical success" and a natural 1 representing a "critical failure."

Critical Success (Natural 20)

Rolling a natural 20 (the die shows 20 before adding any modifiers) is a critical success in most RPG systems. This typically means:

  • Automatic success regardless of difficulty
  • Extra damage on attack rolls
  • Particularly favorable outcomes
  • Memorable moments in the game narrative

Critical Failure (Natural 1)

Rolling a natural 1 is typically a critical failure, which can mean:

  • Automatic failure regardless of bonuses
  • Potential negative consequences
  • Missed attacks or fumbled actions
  • Comical or dramatic narrative moments

Using Our Online D20 Roller

Our virtual D20 roller provides a realistic 3D dice rolling experience right in your browser. Here's how to use it:

  1. Click the "Roll D20" button to roll the die
  2. Watch the 3D animation as the die tumbles and settles
  3. See your result displayed prominently
  4. Add modifiers if needed for your character's abilities
  5. Enable critical highlights to make natural 1s and 20s stand out
  6. Check your roll history to keep track of previous rolls

Whether you're playing remotely with friends, forgot your physical dice, or just enjoy the convenience of digital tools, our D20 roller provides a fair and random result every time.

Common D20 Uses in RPGs

  • Attack Rolls: Determine if your attack hits an enemy
  • Saving Throws: Resist spells, traps, or other dangers
  • Skill Checks: Test your character's abilities in various tasks
  • Perception Checks: Notice hidden objects or creatures
  • Social Interactions: Persuade, intimidate, or deceive NPCs

D20 System Probability

The D20 provides a linear probability distribution, meaning each number has an equal 5% chance of being rolled:

5%
Each
Number
5%
Critical
Fail
5%
Critical
Success
50%
DC 10
Check

This equal distribution makes the D20 perfect for determining success or failure in RPGs, as it creates a fair chance for any outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Our D20 roller uses JavaScript's cryptographically strong random number generation to ensure fair and unpredictable results. Each roll has an equal 5% chance of landing on any of the 20 possible values, just like a physical die. The animation is designed to visualize this randomness, but the actual result is determined using proper random number generation.

Modifiers are bonuses or penalties added to your die roll based on your character's abilities, skills, or circumstances in the game. For example, a character with high strength might have a +3 modifier to attack rolls. To use modifiers with our D20 roller, simply adjust the modifier value using the + and - buttons before rolling. The final result will show both the natural die roll and the total after applying the modifier.

A "natural 20" refers to rolling a 20 on the die itself, before any modifiers are applied. In most RPG systems like D&D, this is considered a "critical success" or "critical hit" and has special benefits. For attack rolls, it typically means you automatically hit regardless of the target's armor class, and you deal extra damage. For ability checks or saving throws, it represents the best possible outcome. Our roller highlights natural 20s when you enable the "Highlight Critical Success/Fail" option.

Absolutely! While the D20 is most famously associated with Dungeons & Dragons, it's used in many other tabletop RPG systems including Pathfinder, Star Wars RPG, Call of Cthulhu, and many more. Any game that requires a 20-sided die can make use of our roller. The modifier feature makes it versatile for different rule systems, and the roll history helps you keep track of your results regardless of which game you're playing.

While many players enjoy the tactile experience of rolling physical dice, our virtual D20 roller offers several advantages: it's always available on any device with a browser, it can't get lost or damaged, it automatically calculates modifiers, and it keeps a history of your rolls. It's particularly useful for online gaming sessions, quick reference when you don't have dice handy, or when you want to ensure completely random results. Many players use both physical and virtual dice depending on the situation.