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Tactical Combat • 5e & 2024 Rules

D&D 5e Cover Rules & AC Bonus Calculator

Calculate effective Armor Class and Dexterity save bonuses behind Half Cover (+2), Three-Quarters Cover (+5), and Total Cover, and analyze incoming hit chances.

Character armor before cover bonuses
Dex modifier (+ Proficiency if proficient)
Used to calculate incoming hit probability
Effective AC
18 AC
+2 bonus from Half Cover
Effective Dex Save
+5
+2 bonus from Half Cover
Incoming Hit Chance
45%
Down from 55% without cover
Targeting Status
Targetable
Direct line of effect exists

Official 5e Cover Rules Explained

Cover is one of the most underutilized tactical elements in D&D 5e. Walls, furniture, rubble, and even your own front-line barbarian can grant vital defenses against deadly archers and dragon breath weapons:

Cover Tier AC Bonus Dex Save Bonus Common Battlefield Examples
Half Cover +2 AC +2 to Dex Saves Low stone walls, fallen logs, tables, another creature (ally or enemy meat shield).
Three-Quarters Cover +5 AC +5 to Dex Saves Arrow slits, heavy portcullis, peeking around corner of thick castle wall.
Total Cover Cannot be targeted Immune to direct spells Completely concealed behind a solid wall. Spells like Fireball still wrap around corners.

Related Tabletop Calculators

5e Armor Class (AC) Calculator Calculate base AC from armor, shields, and unarmored defense. 5e Hit Point Calculator Calculate maximum hit points to withstand attacks that bypass cover. 5e Concentration DC Calculator Calculate concentration saving throw when damage penetrates your defenses. 5e Weapons & DPR Calculator Analyze attack damage and Sharpshooter damage trade-offs.