Understanding Dice Notation: A Beginner's Guide to RPG Dice

Quick answer

Dice notation is a shorthand that tells you how many dice to roll, how many sides they have, and what modifiers to add. Read it as [number of dice]d[sides][+/- modifier]. For example, 2d6+3 means roll two six-sided dice and add three to the total. A lone d20 means roll one twenty-sided die. Once you know the pattern, you can read any RPG dice expression at a glance.

If you've ever stared at a character sheet or rulebook and seen something like 3d8+2, you're not alone. Dice notation is a compact language that tabletop games use to describe random outcomes, and it can look cryptic at first. The good news: it follows a simple, consistent pattern that anyone can learn in a few minutes.

This guide walks you through RPG dice notation step by step, from the basic XdY format to modifiers, multiple dice types, and common symbols. You'll also find practical tips for reading dice correctly and avoiding mistakes that trip up new players. By the end, you'll be able to pick up any dice expression and know exactly what to roll.

What dice notation actually means

At its core, dice notation is a formula. The most common format is XdY, where X is the number of dice and Y is the number of sides on each die. So 1d20 means one twenty-sided die, and 4d6 means four six-sided dice. The letter 'd' stands for 'dice' or 'die' and acts as the separator between quantity and type.

When you see a number after a plus or minus sign, that's a modifier added to or subtracted from the total. For example, 2d6+3 means roll two six-sided dice, add their results together, then add three. Modifiers represent bonuses from skills, abilities, or circumstances. Some notation also includes a multiplier, like 2d6x10, but that's less common in standard play.

• Always read left to right: number of dice, then die type, then any modifiers.
• The 'd' is lowercase in most systems, but capitalization doesn't change the meaning.

Common dice types and their symbols

Tabletop games use a standard set of polyhedral dice: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. The number after the 'd' tells you the shape and how many faces the die has. A d20 is the iconic twenty-sided die used for attack rolls and skill checks in many systems, while d6s are the familiar cubes found in board games and wargames.

Some games also use percentile dice, often written as d100 or d%. This is typically rolled as two d10s—one for tens and one for ones—to generate a number from 1 to 100. You might also see d2 or d3, which are usually simulated by rolling a larger die and halving or dividing the result. Knowing these symbols helps you grab the right dice without hesitation.

• A standard 7-piece RPG set includes one of each: d4, d6, d8, d10, d%, d12, and d20.
• If a game asks for d100, you can roll two d10s or use a dedicated percentile die.

Modifiers, multiple dice, and keep/drop rules

Modifiers are the plus or minus numbers attached to a roll. A +5 bonus means you add five to the total; a -2 penalty means you subtract two. Some expressions combine multiple dice types, like 1d8+1d6+3, which means roll one eight-sided die and one six-sided die, add them together, then add three. This is common for weapons that deal mixed damage.

Advanced notation includes keep/drop rules, often written as 4d6kh3 or 4d6dl1. 'kh3' means 'keep highest three,' so you roll four d6s and use only the top three results. 'dl1' means 'drop lowest one.' These rules are frequently used for character ability scores. Always check the specific game's rules for how ties or dropped dice are handled.

• Read keep/drop notation carefully: kh means keep highest, kl means keep lowest.
• When rolling multiple dice, add all kept dice together before applying modifiers.

How to read notation in actual play

In practice, you'll see dice notation in rulebooks, on character sheets, and in digital tools. When your GM says 'make a DC 15 Dexterity save,' you roll 1d20 and add your Dexterity modifier. If the total meets or beats 15, you succeed. The notation on your sheet might look like 'Dex save +4,' which translates to 1d20+4.

For damage rolls, you might see '2d6+3 slashing.' That means roll two six-sided dice, add three, and the result is slashing damage. If you have a magic weapon that adds extra damage, it might be written as '2d6+3+1d4 fire.' Roll all dice, add the modifiers, and report the total. Practicing with a few sample rolls will make the process automatic.

• Always confirm with your GM whether modifiers are added to the roll or to the DC.
• Use a dice tray to keep rolls contained and readable, especially with multiple dice.

Step-by-step: how to read any dice notation

1. Identify the number of dice: Look at the number before the 'd'. If there's no number, it's one die. For example, 'd20' means one twenty-sided die; '3d6' means three six-sided dice. Common mistake: assuming the number after 'd' is the quantity. It's always the die type.
2. Identify the die type: The number after the 'd' tells you how many sides. So d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, d100. Grab that specific die from your set. Checkpoint: if you don't have that die, you may need to simulate it (e.g., d3 by rolling a d6 and halving).
3. Note any modifiers: Look for + or - numbers after the dice. These are added to or subtracted from the total. For example, 2d6+3 means add three to the sum of two six-sided dice. Common mistake: applying the modifier to each die instead of the total.
4. Handle multiple dice groups: If notation includes multiple dice types, like 1d8+1d6, roll each group separately, then add all results together along with any modifiers. Checkpoint: keep groups separate until the final sum to avoid confusion.
5. Apply keep/drop rules if present: Notation like 4d6kh3 means roll four d6s and keep the highest three. Add only those kept dice, then apply modifiers. Common mistake: forgetting to drop the lowest die before adding modifiers.
6. Roll and total: Roll the required dice, add the kept results, apply modifiers, and announce the final number. That's your result for the check, attack, or damage. Next step: practice with a few common expressions like 1d20+5 and 2d6+3 until they feel natural.

Dice that make notation easy to practice

• 7pc RPG Set - Tranquil World: Semi-translucent blue and orange resin swirled with microglitter, standard 16mm size, numbers painted in white. High-contrast white numbers on a busy swirl make it easy to read results quickly, which helps when you're learning to parse notation during a live game.
• 7pc RPG Set - Glow-in-the-Dark - Poison Ivy: Acrylic swirl of glow-in-the-dark green and orange colors, standard 16mm size, numbers painted in black. The glow effect and black numbers provide a clear visual reference for each die type, so you can grab the right one without squinting in low light.
• Infinity d20 Set - Nomads: Solid metal die-cast non-toxic zinc alloy with electroplated bright yellow/golden finish and unique font with the Nomads symbol. A dedicated d20 with a distinct look is a practical tool for the most common notation (d20 rolls), and the weight gives a satisfying, authoritative feel when you roll.

Dice notation is a simple shorthand that becomes second nature with a little practice. Start by reading the number of dice, then the die type, then any modifiers. Keep a standard 7-piece set on hand—like the 7pc RPG Set - Tranquil World or a dedicated d20 such as the Infinity d20 Set - Nomads—so you're always ready to roll. Before long, you'll read 2d6+3 as easily as you read a sentence.