Encounter Calculator 5e
Calculate D&D 5th Edition encounter difficulty based on party level and monsters
Build Your Encounter
Party Members
Party XP Thresholds
Monsters
Encounter Results
Difficulty Guide
Easy
Victory is virtually guaranteed without using limited resources
Medium
Some tense moments, but party should win without spending limited resources
Hard
Could result in death saving throws. Limited resources essential
Deadly
Can be lethal for some characters. Total party wipeout possible
Encounter Multipliers
DM Tips
Plan 6-8 medium/hard encounters per adventuring day
More monsters = harder encounter due to action economy
Consider environmental hazards and terrain
Adjust on the fly based on party performance
Understanding D&D 5e Encounter Difficulty
How Encounter Difficulty Works
D&D 5e uses a mathematical system to determine encounter difficulty based on the party's level and the monsters' challenge ratings. The system accounts for both individual monster strength and the tactical advantage of numbers.
The Three-Step Process
- 1.Calculate party XP thresholds by summing individual character thresholds
- 2.Determine encounter XP by adding monster XP and applying multiplier
- 3.Compare adjusted XP to thresholds to determine difficulty
Why Multipliers Matter
Multiple monsters are exponentially more dangerous than a single creature of equivalent CR due to action economy - more attacks, more chances to disrupt player actions, and more tactical complexity.
Balancing Your Campaign
- •Easy: Good for story encounters or when party is weakened
- •Medium: Standard encounters that provide satisfying challenge
- •Hard: Major encounters that drain resources
- •Deadly: Boss fights or climactic moments