Calculator Form
Example Data Table
| Example | Formula | Method | Bonus | Spend | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter planning armor | 5d4 × 10 gp | Average | 0 gp | 80 gp | 45 gp remaining |
| Monk simple start | 5d4 gp | Maximum | 10 gp | 8 gp | 22 gp remaining |
| Wizard with supplies | 4d4 × 10 gp | Average | 15 gp | 60 gp | 5 gp remaining |
| Custom gritty rule | 3d4 × 5 gp | Average | 0 gp | 12 gp | 25.50 gp remaining |
Formula Used
Base gold equals dice total multiplied by the class multiplier. Total gold per character equals base gold plus background coins and DM adjustment. A minimum floor can replace lower totals. Remaining gold equals total gold minus planned equipment spending. Party gold multiplies the character result by the number of characters.
Average dice total equals dice count multiplied by half of one plus die sides. For example, 5d4 has an average dice total of 12.5. With a ten gp multiplier, that becomes 125 gp before adjustments.
How To Use This Calculator
- Choose class table or custom dice rule.
- Select the class, or enter custom dice values.
- Pick average, random, manual, minimum, or maximum mode.
- Add background coins, table bonuses, or DM adjustments.
- Enter planned equipment spending.
- Press the calculate button.
- Review the result shown above the form.
- Download the CSV or PDF file for records.
Starting Gold Planning Guide
Why Starting Gold Matters
Starting gold shapes the first choices of a new character. It decides armor, weapons, tools, and survival gear. A fair budget also keeps the party balanced. This calculator helps players and game masters compare class funds before the first scene begins. It can use fixed averages, random rolls, manual dice totals, or custom house rules.
Advanced Character Budgeting
Many groups choose class equipment because it is fast. Other groups prefer gold because it gives control. A rogue may buy different tools. A fighter may choose a cheaper weapon and save coins. A wizard may reserve money for paper, ink, or components. These choices create character flavor before play starts.
What This Tool Measures
The calculator starts with a dice expression. Most classes use several d4 rolls, then multiply the sum by ten. The monk is different because its class fund is only five d4 gold pieces. The tool also supports bonuses, background coins, DM grants, equipment spending, and party size. It then shows gross gold, remaining gold, expected range, and a simple coin split.
Using Averages And Rolls
Average mode is useful for planning. It gives a stable number, so players can build shopping lists without waiting for dice. Random mode is useful at the table. Manual mode is best when a player has already rolled physical dice. Minimum and maximum modes help a game master judge whether a result is unusually low or high.
Practical Table Advice
Starting wealth should match the campaign tone. A gritty game may keep low rolls. A heroic game may use averages or a minimum floor. Expensive armor can change early difficulty. Spell components can matter for casters. Shared party supplies may be fairer than isolated personal budgets.
Good Record Keeping
The export buttons help store the final result. A CSV file fits spreadsheets. A PDF file is easy to attach to character notes. Keeping a copy prevents arguments later. It also helps the game master review equipment value across the party.
Use the result as a starting point, not a table law. Ask the game master before buying rare items. Note every purchase clearly. Keep leftover coins visible. Clean records make session one faster and reduce confusion for everyone.
FAQs
What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates starting gold for a 5e character. It can use class dice, custom dice, average values, random rolls, manual totals, and table adjustments.
Why is the monk result smaller?
The monk uses five d4 gold pieces without the ten gp multiplier. This makes the monk total much smaller than most other class totals.
Can I use physical dice?
Yes. Roll your dice at the table. Then choose manual dice total and enter the summed dice result before the multiplier.
What is the average mode for?
Average mode helps players plan equipment without random swings. It is useful for balanced starts, shopping lists, and quick session preparation.
What does minimum floor mean?
A minimum floor sets the lowest allowed total. If the rolled or calculated amount is lower, the calculator uses the floor instead.
Can this handle house rules?
Yes. Select custom dice rule. Then enter the dice count, die sides, multiplier, bonuses, spending, and party size.
Does planned spending reduce the result?
Yes. Planned spending is subtracted from gross starting gold. This shows the remaining coins after buying equipment.
Why download CSV or PDF?
CSV is useful for spreadsheets. PDF is useful for character files, table records, and sharing final starting budgets with the game master.