What Dice Do You Need for D&D? A Complete Polyhedral Set Explained
Dungeons & Dragons uses a seven-piece polyhedral dice set: D4, D6, D8, D10, D%, D12, and D20. Here is what each die does, why the set is built this way, and how many you really need.
To play Dungeons & Dragons you need a standard seven-piece polyhedral dice set: a D4, D6, D8, D10, D% (percentile D10), D12, and D20. These seven dice cover every roll the game asks for. Here's what each one does and how the set fits together — useful whether you're a new player or a retailer explaining sets to customers.
The 7 Dice in a Polyhedral Set
| Die | Faces | What it's commonly used for |
|---|---|---|
| D4 | 4 | Small weapon and spell damage (e.g. a dagger) |
| D6 | 6 | Common damage rolls; many spells use several D6 |
| D8 | 8 | Medium weapon damage; some healing |
| D10 | 10 | Damage and, paired with the D%, percentages |
| D% | 10 (00-90) | The "tens" die for percentile (d100) rolls |
| D12 | 12 | Big weapon damage (e.g. a greataxe) |
| D20 | 20 | The core die — attacks, saves, and ability checks |
The D20 Is the Star
Most of what happens in D&D is decided by the D20. When you attack, make a saving throw, or attempt a skill check, you roll a D20, add your modifiers, and compare it to a target number. Rolling a natural 20 is a critical success; a natural 1 is a critical miss.
How Percentile (d100) Rolls Work
A "d100" isn't a 100-sided die. You roll two D10s together: the D% (marked 00, 10, 20 … 90) gives the tens, and the regular D10 gives the ones. Roll 40 and 7 and you get 47. Double zeros usually count as 100.
Do You Need More Than One Set?
- One set is enough to play.
- Many players own several sets — for different characters, for the look, or so they always have a "lucky" die.
- Dungeon Masters often keep extra D6s and D20s for rolling lots of damage or many monsters at once.
This is exactly why gemstone dice sell so well as gifts and collector items: players rarely stop at one set.
Choosing Your Dice: Material Matters
Beyond the numbers, dice come in plastic, metal, and natural gemstone. Gemstone dice are cut from real stone, so each one is unique — a favourite for collectors and premium gifting. If you're curious how they're made or which stone to pick, see our guides on choosing a gemstone for dice and how gemstone dice are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dice are in a standard D&D set?
Seven: D4, D6, D8, D10, D%, D12, and D20.
What is the D% die for?
It's the tens die for percentile (d100) rolls — you read it together with a normal D10 to get a number from 1 to 100.
Which die is the most important in D&D?
The D20. Attacks, saving throws, and ability checks are all resolved by rolling it.
Can I use gemstone dice for D&D?
Yes. A precisely cut gemstone set works for normal play and adds a premium, one-of-a-kind feel to the table.
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