Proficiency Bonus in D&D 5e: How It Scales

Proficiency bonus scales your character's competence. Here's how.

The Progression

• Level 1-4: +2.
• Level 5-8: +3.
• Level 9-12: +4.
• Level 13-16: +5.
• Level 17-20: +6.

Proficiency bonus doubles from low to high level. Significant.

What It Applies To

Proficiency bonus adds to:

• Attack rolls with proficient weapons.
• Skill checks for proficient skills.
• Saving throws for proficient saves.
• Spell attack rolls.
• Spell save DCs (as part of the formula).
• Ability checks with proficient tools.

Base Proficiencies

Every character has proficiency in:

• 2 saving throws (class-dependent).
• 2-4 skills (class + background).
• Certain weapons and armor (class).
• A tool or two (background).

Expertise

Double the proficiency bonus for specified skills.

• Rogue: 2 skills at level 1, 2 more at level 6.
• Bard: 2 skills at level 3, 2 more at level 10.
• Knowledge Cleric, Ranger (non-SRD): Expertise in specific skills.

Why It Matters

Expertise stacks:

• Level 1 Rogue: +4 to Stealth (if Dex 16 + prof x2 = +4 bonus just from Expertise).
• Level 5 Rogue: +6.
• Level 20 Rogue: +12 to Stealth. Plus Dex.

At level 20 with Expertise + 20 Dex, a Rogue has +17 Stealth. Usually a 25+ roll, auto-succeeding any Stealth check.

Reliable Talent

Rogue level 11+. Any ability check you're proficient in, the d20 result is treated as 10 minimum.

Combined with Expertise, Reliable Talent near-guarantees success on Stealth, Investigation, etc.

Proficiency Bonus and Level-Ups

Your proficiency bonus increases at levels 5, 9, 13, and 17. Big moments.

In The Endlessness

Our AI Dungeon Master applies proficiency bonus automatically. Your rolls include it when appropriate.

For related reads, our skill checks guide, character creation guide, and rogue guide cover more.

Final Takeaway

Proficiency bonus scales with level. Expertise doubles it. High-level characters are competent.

Start a character at The Endlessness and watch your bonuses grow.