D&D 5e Utilities
Encounter Difficulty Calculator
Calculate the difficulty of a D&D 5e combat encounter based on party composition, monster challenge ratings, XP thresholds, and the encounter-building rules from the 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Party
Enter each character level represented in the party.
| Character Level | Number of Characters | Action |
|---|
Monsters
Enter the challenge rating and number of monsters in the encounter.
| Challenge Rating | XP Each | Number of Monsters | Action |
|---|
Encounter Difficulty
—Party XP Thresholds
Adjusted XP is used only to determine encounter difficulty. Monster XP remains the encounter’s actual XP value.
Important Note
When a creature's challenge rating exceeds the party's average level, caution is advised. Some monsters possess traits, resistances, immunities, or special abilities that can make them far more dangerous than their XP value alone suggests. Likewise, the party's class balance, resources, and tactical options can greatly affect the actual difficulty of an encounter. Use this calculator as a guideline and rely on DM judgment.