D&D Ability Check Skills Reference
A reference guide for understanding and applying Dungeons & Dragons skills during ability checks.
What This Skill Does
This skill helps you understand how skills work in D&D 5th Edition, specifically:
What skills represent in terms of character specializationHow to determine if you have proficiency in a skillWhen and how to add proficiency bonuses to ability checksThe relationship between skills and core abilitiesInstructions for Using This Reference
1. Understanding Skills
Skills represent specific areas of specialization within the broader ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma). When a character attempts an action that falls under a particular skill, they make an ability check using that skill.
2. Checking for Proficiency
Before making a skill check:
Review your character sheet's "Skills" sectionIdentify which skills have proficiency markers (usually a filled circle or checkmark)Note your current Proficiency Bonus (based on character level)3. Calculating Skill Checks
When making an ability check with a skill:
Roll 1d20Add the relevant ability modifier**If proficient in the skill**: Also add your Proficiency Bonus**If not proficient**: Only add the ability modifier**Formula**: d20 + Ability Modifier + (Proficiency Bonus if proficient)
4. Example Application
A 3rd-level rogue (Proficiency Bonus +2) with Dexterity 16 (+3) attempts a Stealth check:
Stealth is a Dexterity-based skillThe rogue has proficiency in Stealth**Total modifier**: +3 (Dexterity) + +2 (Proficiency) = +5**Roll**: 1d20 + 5Key Concepts
Proficiency
Having proficiency in a skill means your character has training or natural talent in that area. Proficiency is gained through:
Class features (each class grants specific skill proficiencies)Background choicesRacial traitsFeatsAbility Modifiers
Each skill is associated with one of the six core abilities:
**Strength**: Athletics**Dexterity**: Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth**Intelligence**: Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion**Wisdom**: Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival**Charisma**: Deception, Intimidation, Performance, PersuasionProficiency Bonus Progression
Your Proficiency Bonus increases as you level:
Levels 1-4: +2Levels 5-8: +3Levels 9-12: +4Levels 13-16: +5Levels 17-20: +6When to Reference This Skill
Use this reference when:
A player or DM needs to resolve an ability checkCreating a new character and selecting skill proficienciesLeveling up and calculating new skill check modifiersAdjudicating situations where skill proficiency is unclearTeaching new players how skill checks workRelated Concepts
**Proficiency**: The core mechanic that determines expertise bonuses**Ability Checks**: The general system for resolving uncertain actions**Expertise**: Some classes (like rogues and bards) can double their proficiency bonus on certain skills