A tool designed to compute the potential harm inflicted in the fifth edition of a popular tabletop role-playing game calculates the outcome of attacks. This utility factors in variables such as weapon damage dice, ability score modifiers, critical hits, and enemy resistances or vulnerabilities to arrive at a predicted damage value. For example, if a character wielding a longsword (1d8 slashing damage) with a Strength modifier of +3 successfully strikes a goblin with no resistances, the calculator would sum the result of the die roll plus the modifier to estimate the damage.
Such calculation aids expedite gameplay by automating a traditionally manual process, promoting accuracy and efficiency. The benefit lies in streamlining combat encounters, allowing players and game masters to focus on narrative and tactical decisions rather than arithmetic. Furthermore, these instruments facilitate character optimization by providing insights into the relative effectiveness of various builds and equipment choices. These aids evolved from simple spreadsheets or physical tables to complex online applications, reflecting the increasing sophistication of both the game and available technology.