What Is a d8?
The eight-sided die (d8) is one of the standard polyhedral dice used in tabletop RPGs. Shaped like a regular octahedron, it produces results from 1 to 8 with equal probability and an average roll of 4.5. In Dungeons & Dragons, the d8 is one of the most frequently rolled dice after the d20 and d6.
Common d8 Rolls in D&D
- Longsword and rapier damage - The longsword (one-handed) and rapier both deal 1d8 damage, making the d8 the go-to damage die for most martial characters.
- Hit dice - Clerics, druids, monks, rogues, and warlocks all use a d8 for their hit dice. This means they gain 1d8 hit points (plus Constitution modifier) at each level, and roll d8s when spending hit dice during a short rest.
- Healing spells - Cure Wounds restores 1d8 per spell level, and Healing Word heals 1d4. The d8 is closely tied to healing in D&D, appearing in many restorative spells and class features.
- Divine Smite - When a paladin lands a hit, they can spend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage in d8s. A 1st-level smite adds 2d8, scaling up with higher slots. This makes the d8 one of the most satisfying dice to roll in combat.
Where the d8 Fits Among Damage Dice
D&D weapon damage follows a clear progression: d4 for light weapons like daggers, d6 for short swords, d8 for longswords and rapiers, d10 for heavy weapons like pikes, and d12 for greataxes. The d8 occupies the middle ground, offering solid damage without requiring two hands or a special fighting style.
This makes it the most common single-weapon damage die in the game. If you are building a sword-and-shield fighter, a finesse rogue, or any character with a one-handed weapon, you will be rolling a lot of d8s.