Roll a d8

Hit points

The d8 is the hit die most of the party is using

Seven of the thirteen classes level up on a d8. At every level after the first you either roll it or take the fixed number, and the fixed number is quietly better on every hit die in the game.

The gap is half a point per level, every time, because the fixed value is half the die plus one and the rolled average is half the die plus a half. Roll if the risk is the fun part. If you are optimising, the choice was made for you.

Totals

Range and average, one die to eight

A single d8 averages 4.5. Healing spells are counted in these, so the table doubles as a guide to what a cure wounds is worth at each slot level.

In play

What actually calls for a d8

The workhorse martial weapon die, the standard healing die, and the hit die for over half the class list.

Cleric, druid, rogue, bard, monk, warlock hit die

1d8

Longsword, rapier, battleaxe, longbow

1d8

Cure wounds, per spell level

1d8

Divine smite, at first level

2d8

Sacred flame and guiding bolt, per die

1d8

Kitting the character out afterwards? The starting gold table covers what each class rolls and what the 2024 rules changed.

Questions

Which classes use a d8 hit die?

Artificers, bards, clerics, druids, monks, rogues and warlocks. It is the most common hit die in fifth edition by a distance, covering seven of the thirteen classes.

Should I roll hit points or take the average?

Take the average, unless you enjoy the gamble. The fixed number fifth edition offers is half the die plus one, which is exactly half a point above the rolled expectation on every hit die in the game. On a d8 that is 5 against 4.5. Over ten levels you are giving up five hit points for the chance of a bad run.

What is the average roll on a d8?

4.5. For several dice, multiply: 2d8 averages 9, 4d8 averages 18, 8d8 averages 36. A divine smite at first level is 2d8, so it adds 9 on average before any of the bonuses against undead.

What weapons deal 1d8 damage?

The one-handed martial weapons, mostly. Longsword, rapier, battleaxe, warhammer, morningstar, war pick, flail and longbow all deal 1d8. A quarterstaff or a spear also deals 1d8 when used two-handed.

How much does cure wounds heal?

1d8 plus your spellcasting modifier at first level, and an extra 1d8 for every slot level above that. Cast at third level it is 3d8 plus the modifier, averaging 13.5 before the modifier.

Is a d8 the same as an octahedron?

Yes. It is two square pyramids joined at the base, and it is the only die in the standard set where opposite faces always add up to nine. Handy for spotting a miscast one.