Loreify
    Free Tool

    AC Calculator

    Calculate your D&D 5e character's Armor Class based on armor, shields, and special abilities.

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    Armor Configuration

    Select your armor and modifiers

    Special AC Calculations

    Your Armor Class

    12
    Armor Class

    Calculation Breakdown

    Unarmored Base AC 10
    DEX Modifier +2
    Total AC12

    Armor Reference

    ArmorTypeBase ACDEX BonusStealthSTR Req
    Unarmored
    none
    		10Full——
    Padded
    light
    		11Full❌—
    Leather
    light
    		11Full——
    Studded Leather
    light
    		12Full——
    Hide
    medium
    		12Max +2——
    Chain Shirt
    medium
    		13Max +2——
    Scale Mail
    medium
    		14Max +2❌—
    Breastplate
    medium
    		14Max +2——
    Half Plate
    medium
    		15Max +2❌—
    Ring Mail
    heavy
    		14—❌—
    Chain Mail
    heavy
    		16—❌STR 13
    Splint
    heavy
    		17—❌STR 15
    Plate
    heavy
    		18—❌STR 15

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    Armor Class Tips

    • •Unarmored Defense doesn't stack with armor
    • •You can only benefit from one AC calculation method
    • •Medium Armor limits DEX bonus to +2 (unless Medium Armor Master)
    • •Heavy Armor doesn't add DEX at all
    • •Shields add +2 AC regardless of armor type
    • •Some magic items provide AC bonuses without wearing armor

    How to Use

    1. 1.Select your armor type from the dropdown
    2. 2.Enter your Dexterity modifier
    3. 3.Check if you're using a shield
    4. 4.Add any magic bonuses (+1, +2, +3 armor/shield)
    5. 5.Enable Unarmored Defense if applicable
    6. 6.Add other bonuses (Ring of Protection, etc.)

    How to calculate armor class in 5e

    Your Armor Class (AC) is how hard you are to hit. Start from the formula that fits your setup — you only ever use one base formula, whichever gives the higher number — and add a shield if you carry one.

    No armor: 10 + your Dexterity modifier. Light armor: the armor’s base + your full Dexterity (studded leather = 12 + Dex). Medium armor: base + Dexterity, capped at +2 (half plate = 15 + Dex up to 2). Heavy armor: a flat number with no Dexterity at all (plate = 18).

    A shield adds +2. Class features can replace the base entirely: a Barbarian’s Unarmored Defense is 10 + Dex + Constitution, and a Monk’s is 10 + Dex + Wisdom (both only while unarmored). Magic armor, the Defense fighting style, and spells like Shield of Faith stack on top.

    Armor Class by armor type

    SetupAC formulaExample
    No armor10 + Dex modifier14 Dex → 12 AC
    Light armorBase + full DexStudded leather = 12 + Dex
    Medium armorBase + Dex (max +2)Half plate = 15 + Dex (max 2)
    Heavy armorFlat base (no Dex)Plate = 18
    Barbarian (unarmored)10 + Dex + Con—
    Monk (unarmored)10 + Dex + Wis—
    Shield+2 on topAny base formula + 2

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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