Some characters have attack bonuses that differ depending on the weapon they are wielding.
The bonus for an attack should include a (+) or (-) sign, although hopefully you don’t have a negative bonus! ..
Your attack bonus is the result of your character’s base attack bonus and the bonuses from your class, race, and weapon specialization. It applies to all attacks, not just melee attacks.
In the middle of the first page of a 5e character sheet, you’ll see a section called “Attacks & Spellcasting” that has a space for the Attack Bonus.
In the DNDBeyond sheet, the text says “ATK BONUS” while in the ATK sheet it says “HIT/DC.”
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Calculating an Attack Bonus
Typically, you calculate the attack bonus for a specific attack by taking the character’s base attack bonus and adding any modifiers applicable to that particular attack. ..
For melee attacks using a weapon you are proficient with, the attack bonus is the strength modifier plus your proficiency bonus. If you use a weapon that you are not proficient with, the attack bonus is just the strength modifier. ..
For melee attacks using a weapon with the finesse property, you can use your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier if you wish. As before, you also include your proficiency bonus if you’re using a weapon you’re proficient with. ..
For ranged attacks, the attack bonus always uses the dexterity modifier. If you are proficient with the weapon, you add the proficiency bonus.
Thrown weapons use the same attack bonus as melee weapons. This means that throwing a hand axe uses strength, but throwing a dagger can use strength or dexterity depending on its type. ..
For spell attacks, the attack bonus is the spellcasting modifier + the proficiency bonus. Spellcasters always have proficiency in making spell attacks.
Examples & Scenarios
Rafi is a level 5 Arcane Trickster with Dexterity 18 (+4), Strength 14 (+2) and Intelligence 16 (+3).
As a level 5 character, Rafi has a bonus on attack rolls and damage rolls of +3.
An Arcane Trickster is someone who uses their intelligence to cast spells. ..
She is proficient in a single weapon, but not in most martial weapons.
Rafi is a skilled dagger user with a +7 attack bonus (+4 from dex and +3 from her proficiency bonus). She uses this same bonus for swinging or throwing the dagger. Rafi could use Str instead of Dex, but that wouldn’t make much sense because the attack bonus would only be +5.
Rafi has a +5 attack bonus (+2 from Str and +3 from her proficiency bonus). She uses this same bonus for stabbing or throwing the spear.
Rafi is a skilled swordsman, with a +2 bonus to his attack rolls when wielding a great sword. This comes from his Strength score alone, without any bonus from his proficiency in the weapon. ..
Rafi has a +7 attack bonus when shooting a light crossbow. This bonus is increased by her Dexterity score (+4 from the Dex modifier and +3 from her proficiency bonus) and is further increased by her training in the use of light crossbows (+2 from her proficiency bonus). ..
Rafi has a +4 attack bonus (+4 from dex, but no proficiency bonus).
When casting a spell that requires a spell attack, Rafi has a +5 spell attack bonus (+2 from Int and +3 from her proficiency bonus).
If Rafi were to cast the spell booming blade and attack with her dagger, she would have a +7 attack bonus because that particular spell asks her to make a melee attack and not a spell attack.
As you can see, it can take work to figure out the different attack bonuses.
As you level up, your attack bonus will usually increase.
When you reach a new level, your proficiency bonus goes up, which usually results in an increase to your attack bonuses. If you take an ASI, your attack bonus might increase. Additionally, using a magic weapon or learning certain fighting styles might alter your attack bonus. ..
There aren’t many spells, class features, or feats that affect your attack bonus. ..
The designers of 5e intentionally designed a system that is difficult to use.
The new system is simpler and doesn’t include a lot of small bonuses. I think that’s a good thing. ..
It’s more fun to roll dice and role-play than it is to spend a lot of time doing math in your head!
