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Does the ability score modifier go in the large box or the small oval?
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When filling in the ability scores section of the standard character sheet as used in the D&D 5e Player's Handbook, I've seen a lot of people put each ability score in the large box, and the corresponding ability score modifier in the small oval below it. This makes sense to some because that's the order you're writing it from top to bottom.
However, it seems more practical to put the ability score modifier in the large box, since that's almost always the number you need to look at, and the ability score in the small oval.
Is there any official ruling on this, or other evidence to suggest which approach (if either) is official, standard, or more correct?
dnd-5e character-sheets
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
When filling in the ability scores section of the standard character sheet as used in the D&D 5e Player's Handbook, I've seen a lot of people put each ability score in the large box, and the corresponding ability score modifier in the small oval below it. This makes sense to some because that's the order you're writing it from top to bottom.
However, it seems more practical to put the ability score modifier in the large box, since that's almost always the number you need to look at, and the ability score in the small oval.
Is there any official ruling on this, or other evidence to suggest which approach (if either) is official, standard, or more correct?
dnd-5e character-sheets
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
8
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
1
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
When filling in the ability scores section of the standard character sheet as used in the D&D 5e Player's Handbook, I've seen a lot of people put each ability score in the large box, and the corresponding ability score modifier in the small oval below it. This makes sense to some because that's the order you're writing it from top to bottom.
However, it seems more practical to put the ability score modifier in the large box, since that's almost always the number you need to look at, and the ability score in the small oval.
Is there any official ruling on this, or other evidence to suggest which approach (if either) is official, standard, or more correct?
dnd-5e character-sheets
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
When filling in the ability scores section of the standard character sheet as used in the D&D 5e Player's Handbook, I've seen a lot of people put each ability score in the large box, and the corresponding ability score modifier in the small oval below it. This makes sense to some because that's the order you're writing it from top to bottom.
However, it seems more practical to put the ability score modifier in the large box, since that's almost always the number you need to look at, and the ability score in the small oval.
Is there any official ruling on this, or other evidence to suggest which approach (if either) is official, standard, or more correct?
dnd-5e character-sheets
dnd-5e character-sheets
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
edited 18 mins ago
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
asked 16 hours ago
Quadratic Wizard
22.7k376129
22.7k376129
The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
8
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
1
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
8
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
1
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago
The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
8
8
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
1
1
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
Modifier in the big circle
This is the way the character sheets for the starter set are filled out. Also makes the more frequently used modifier bigger and easier to read, so I would also recommend it.
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
No official ruling, so it's down to personal preference.
Although Szega has mentioned that in the Starter Set the modifier goes into the big space, no actual ruling about is is made, according to my knowledge, in any published book or from Crawford. As mentioned in a comment by Chris Hep, D&D Beyond allows either. Roll20 uses the modifier in the big space, at least in the sheets my online table has been using. Pre-gens for other campaigns also use the modifier in the big circle, as a note.
The placement in the big circle has more advantages than drawbacks - the modifier is the number you are usually interested in, not the actual value (exception for some mechanics that reduce your attribute). But, ultimately, the player chooses where he wants to write it.
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Both are considered acceptable, in my experience it is most common to see your "Score" on top and your "Modifier" on the bottom, but some of the premade characters in 5e have that reversed.
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
Modifier in the big circle
This is the way the character sheets for the starter set are filled out. Also makes the more frequently used modifier bigger and easier to read, so I would also recommend it.
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
Modifier in the big circle
This is the way the character sheets for the starter set are filled out. Also makes the more frequently used modifier bigger and easier to read, so I would also recommend it.
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
up vote
20
down vote
accepted
Modifier in the big circle
This is the way the character sheets for the starter set are filled out. Also makes the more frequently used modifier bigger and easier to read, so I would also recommend it.
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
Modifier in the big circle
This is the way the character sheets for the starter set are filled out. Also makes the more frequently used modifier bigger and easier to read, so I would also recommend it.
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
answered 15 hours ago
Szega
35.9k4148183
35.9k4148183
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
add a comment |Â
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
1
1
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
I agree that this placement makes more sense, but I don't know if that qualifies as an "official" ruling. For example, D&D Beyond gives the option for either direction, defaulting to modifiers on top. It mostly comes down to preference.
– Chris Hep
14 hours ago
1
1
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
@ChrisHep: I agree; I'd suggest leaving that as your own answer to the question :)
– V2Blast
11 hours ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
No official ruling, so it's down to personal preference.
Although Szega has mentioned that in the Starter Set the modifier goes into the big space, no actual ruling about is is made, according to my knowledge, in any published book or from Crawford. As mentioned in a comment by Chris Hep, D&D Beyond allows either. Roll20 uses the modifier in the big space, at least in the sheets my online table has been using. Pre-gens for other campaigns also use the modifier in the big circle, as a note.
The placement in the big circle has more advantages than drawbacks - the modifier is the number you are usually interested in, not the actual value (exception for some mechanics that reduce your attribute). But, ultimately, the player chooses where he wants to write it.
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
No official ruling, so it's down to personal preference.
Although Szega has mentioned that in the Starter Set the modifier goes into the big space, no actual ruling about is is made, according to my knowledge, in any published book or from Crawford. As mentioned in a comment by Chris Hep, D&D Beyond allows either. Roll20 uses the modifier in the big space, at least in the sheets my online table has been using. Pre-gens for other campaigns also use the modifier in the big circle, as a note.
The placement in the big circle has more advantages than drawbacks - the modifier is the number you are usually interested in, not the actual value (exception for some mechanics that reduce your attribute). But, ultimately, the player chooses where he wants to write it.
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
No official ruling, so it's down to personal preference.
Although Szega has mentioned that in the Starter Set the modifier goes into the big space, no actual ruling about is is made, according to my knowledge, in any published book or from Crawford. As mentioned in a comment by Chris Hep, D&D Beyond allows either. Roll20 uses the modifier in the big space, at least in the sheets my online table has been using. Pre-gens for other campaigns also use the modifier in the big circle, as a note.
The placement in the big circle has more advantages than drawbacks - the modifier is the number you are usually interested in, not the actual value (exception for some mechanics that reduce your attribute). But, ultimately, the player chooses where he wants to write it.
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
No official ruling, so it's down to personal preference.
Although Szega has mentioned that in the Starter Set the modifier goes into the big space, no actual ruling about is is made, according to my knowledge, in any published book or from Crawford. As mentioned in a comment by Chris Hep, D&D Beyond allows either. Roll20 uses the modifier in the big space, at least in the sheets my online table has been using. Pre-gens for other campaigns also use the modifier in the big circle, as a note.
The placement in the big circle has more advantages than drawbacks - the modifier is the number you are usually interested in, not the actual value (exception for some mechanics that reduce your attribute). But, ultimately, the player chooses where he wants to write it.
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
edited 10 hours ago
V2Blast
17.3k246109
17.3k246109
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
answered 11 hours ago
HellSaint
16.6k464142
16.6k464142
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Both are considered acceptable, in my experience it is most common to see your "Score" on top and your "Modifier" on the bottom, but some of the premade characters in 5e have that reversed.
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Both are considered acceptable, in my experience it is most common to see your "Score" on top and your "Modifier" on the bottom, but some of the premade characters in 5e have that reversed.
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Both are considered acceptable, in my experience it is most common to see your "Score" on top and your "Modifier" on the bottom, but some of the premade characters in 5e have that reversed.
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
Both are considered acceptable, in my experience it is most common to see your "Score" on top and your "Modifier" on the bottom, but some of the premade characters in 5e have that reversed.
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
answered 2 hours ago
hehe3301
916
916
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
"some of" - do you have any example of premade character that has modifier on the bottom?
– Mołot
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
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The bigger "circle" is actually more of a rectangle (maybe with rounded/tapered corners)...
– V2Blast
15 hours ago
8
I don't see how this is opinion based. He is asking for the ruling on it. If there is no ruling, then the answer is "there is no ruling and it doesn't actually matter". None of these cases is opinion-based. It's similar to how "up to the DM" is not motive for closing.
– HellSaint
13 hours ago
1
I've seen at least 4 "official" character sheet formats (as in: distributed by WotC) besides the custom one my own groups use. I assume you're talking about the one that's distributed with the Tyranny of Dragons and is used for the starter set examples. This is nitpicking, but should imo be clarified.
– DonFusili
8 hours ago
Updated question to clarify that I'm asking about the character sheet as depicted in the PHB, that the shapes are really more of a box and an oval respectively, and that I'm asking for all evidence rather than only rulings.
– Quadratic Wizard
15 mins ago