What Is a d4?
The four-sided die (d4) is the smallest of the standard polyhedral dice used in tabletop RPGs. Shaped like a tetrahedron, it is the only common die that does not roll in the traditional sense. Instead it tumbles and lands on a flat face, with the result read from the top point or the numbers along the base, depending on the design.
With only four outcomes (1 through 4) and an average of 2.5, the d4 produces the lowest damage and smallest ranges of any standard die. But that small range makes it ideal for minor effects, light weapons, and low-level abilities where big swings would feel out of place.
Common d4 Rolls in D&D
- Dagger damage - The dagger deals 1d4 piercing damage and is one of the most iconic weapons in the game. As a finesse weapon with the thrown property, it is a favourite of rogues, wizards, and anyone who needs a reliable backup weapon.
- Healing Potion - A basic Potion of Healing restores 2d4 + 2 hit points. The d4 keeps the healing modest at low levels while still giving a meaningful boost when it counts.
- Magic Missile - Each dart of the classic spell deals 1d4 + 1 force damage and hits automatically with no attack roll. At higher spell levels, extra darts are added, so a handful of d4s can add up quickly.
- Guidance and Bless - The Guidance cantrip adds 1d4 to a single ability check, while the Bless spell adds 1d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for up to three creatures. These small bonuses are some of the most impactful buffs in the game.
The d4 in the Damage Dice Lineup
In D&D, weapon and spell damage scales through a progression of dice: d4 for light and simple weapons, d6 for short swords and handaxes, d8 for longswords and rapiers, d10 for heavy weapons, and d12 for greataxes. The d4 sits at the bottom of this ladder, but that does not make it unimportant.
Many of the game's most reliable effects use d4s precisely because the range is tight. A bonus of 1 to 4 is always noticeable without being game-breaking, which is why spells like Bless and Guidance remain useful at every level of play.