Calculate Your Warhammer Combat Outcomes
What is a Warhammer Dice Calculator?
A Warhammer Dice Calculator is an indispensable online tool designed to help players of tabletop wargames, particularly Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar, predict the statistical outcomes of dice rolls. Instead of guessing or relying on intuition, this calculator provides precise probabilities for hitting, wounding, and ultimately, the expected damage output of your units.
This tool is crucial for anyone looking to:
- Optimize army lists: Understand which units and weapon loadouts are most efficient against specific target profiles.
- Improve tactical decisions: Make informed choices during gameplay by knowing the odds of a successful charge, shooting attack, or combat phase.
- Analyze unit performance: Evaluate the true potential of new units or stratagems before committing them to battle.
- Understand game mechanics: Deepen your comprehension of how modifiers, re-rolls, and special rules impact overall combat effectiveness.
Common misunderstandings often revolve around how multiple modifiers stack or how re-rolls interact with different stages of an attack. Many players also underestimate the impact of small percentages over a large number of dice. Our Warhammer Dice Calculator clarifies these complexities, providing clear, actionable insights.
Warhammer Dice Calculator Formula and Explanation
The core of any Warhammer Dice Calculator relies on probability theory, specifically the binomial distribution, combined with sequential probability. The calculation proceeds through several stages:
- Individual Die Success Probability: For a D6 roll needing a target value (
T) or higher, the base probability of success is(7 - T) / 6. Modifiers shift the effective target value. - Re-rolls:
- Re-roll 1s: If a 1 is rolled (probability 1/6), it gets re-rolled. The overall probability of success becomes
P_success + (1/6) * P_success. - Re-roll Fails: If a roll fails (probability
1 - P_success), it gets re-rolled. The overall probability of success becomesP_success + (1 - P_success) * P_success.
- Re-roll 1s: If a 1 is rolled (probability 1/6), it gets re-rolled. The overall probability of success becomes
- Expected Successes: For
Ndice, the expected number of successes isN * P_success. - Chaining Probabilities: The output of one stage (e.g., expected hits) becomes the input for the next (e.g., expected wounds), creating a sequential flow.
Variables Used in the Warhammer Dice Calculator:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of Attacks |
The total dice rolled in the initial attack sequence. | Unitless (count) | 1 - 100+ |
To Hit Roll |
The unmodified D6 result needed to score a hit (e.g., 2+ to 6+). | Unitless (D6 result) | 1 - 6 |
Hit Modifiers |
Modifiers applied to the hit roll (e.g., +1, -1). | Unitless (integer) | -3 to +3 |
Re-roll Hits |
Rules governing re-rolls for hit dice (None, 1s, Fails). | Categorical | N/A |
To Wound Roll |
The unmodified D6 result needed to inflict a wound. | Unitless (D6 result) | 1 - 6 |
Wound Modifiers |
Modifiers applied to the wound roll. | Unitless (integer) | -3 to +3 |
Re-roll Wounds |
Rules governing re-rolls for wound dice. | Categorical | N/A |
Armor Penetration (AP) |
Value reducing the target's Save characteristic. | Unitless (integer) | 0 to -5 |
Save Characteristic |
The target's base save value (e.g., 2+ to 6+). | Unitless (D6 result) | 2 - 7 |
Save Modifiers |
Additional modifiers applied to the save roll (e.g., cover). | Unitless (integer) | -3 to +3 |
Re-roll Saves |
Rules governing re-rolls for save dice. | Categorical | N/A |
Damage per Unsaved Wound |
Damage inflicted for each wound not saved. | Unitless (integer) | 1 - 10+ |
Mortal Wounds on 6s |
Boolean if natural 6s to wound cause additional mortal wounds. | Boolean | True/False |
Practical Examples for the Warhammer Dice Calculator
Example 1: Space Marine Intercessors vs. Ork Boyz
Let's calculate the expected damage when 10 Intercessors (Bolt Rifles) shoot at 10 Ork Boyz.
- Intercessors: 10 models, 1 attack each = 10 Attacks. BS 3+. S4.
- Ork Boyz: T5. Save 6+.
- Bolt Rifle: S4, AP-1, D1.
Calculator Inputs:
- Number of Attacks: 10
- To Hit Roll: 3 (for 3+)
- Hit Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Hits: None
- To Wound Roll: 4 (S4 vs T5 needs 4+)
- Wound Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Wounds: None
- Armor Penetration (AP): -1
- Save Characteristic: 6 (for 6+)
- Save Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Saves: None
- Damage per Unsaved Wound: 1
- Mortal Wounds on 6s: Unchecked
Expected Results: (Based on typical calculations)
- Expected Hits: 6.67
- Expected Wounds: 3.33
- Expected Failed Saves: 2.22 (AP-1 makes 6+ save into 7+, which is 100% fail)
- Expected Damage: 2.22
Example 2: Custodian Guard with Allarus Axe vs. Chaos Lord
A single Custodian Guard (Allarus Axe) charges a Chaos Lord. Let's see the damage potential.
- Custodian Guard: 3 Attacks. WS 2+. S8.
- Chaos Lord: T4. Save 2+.
- Allarus Axe: S+2 (so S8), AP-2, D3.
Calculator Inputs:
- Number of Attacks: 3
- To Hit Roll: 2 (for 2+)
- Hit Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Hits: None (assume no re-rolls for simplicity)
- To Wound Roll: 2 (S8 vs T4 needs 2+)
- Wound Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Wounds: None
- Armor Penetration (AP): -2
- Save Characteristic: 2 (for 2+)
- Save Modifiers: 0
- Re-roll Saves: None
- Damage per Unsaved Wound: 2 (average of D3 is 2)
- Mortal Wounds on 6s: Unchecked
Expected Results: (Based on typical calculations)
- Expected Hits: 2.50
- Expected Wounds: 2.08
- Expected Failed Saves: 1.04 (2+ save with -2 AP becomes 4+)
- Expected Damage: 2.08
How to Use This Warhammer Dice Calculator
Using our Warhammer Dice Calculator is straightforward, designed for both beginners and veteran players to quickly get accurate results.
- Input Number of Attacks: Start by entering the total number of dice your unit will roll for its attacks.
- Set To Hit Roll & Modifiers: Enter the base Ballistic Skill (BS) or Weapon Skill (WS) needed (e.g., 3 for a 3+). Adjust for any hit modifiers (e.g., +1 for an aura, -1 for dense cover). Select any applicable hit re-roll rules.
- Set To Wound Roll & Modifiers: Determine the wound roll needed based on your unit's Strength (S) vs. the target's Toughness (T) (e.g., S4 vs T4 needs 4+). Apply any wound modifiers and select re-roll options.
- Input Target's Save & AP: Enter the target unit's base Save characteristic (e.g., 3 for a 3+ save). Input your weapon's Armor Penetration (AP) value (e.g., -1). Add any additional save modifiers (e.g., +1 for cover). Select save re-roll options.
- Specify Damage & Mortal Wounds: Enter the damage characteristic of your weapon (e.g., 1 for D1, 2 for average D3). Check the box if a natural 6 to wound inflicts additional mortal wounds.
- Click "Calculate": The calculator will instantly display the expected hits, wounds, failed saves, mortal wounds, and total expected damage.
- Interpret Results: Use the "Expected Damage" as your primary indicator. The intermediate values help you understand where your attack sequence is most effective or weakest. The chart provides a visual overview of probabilities at each stage.
Key Factors That Affect Warhammer Dice Calculator Outcomes
Understanding the variables that most significantly influence your Warhammer Dice Calculator results is key to mastering your strategy:
- Number of Attacks: This is often the most impactful factor. More dice mean more chances for success, and statistically, a higher consistency in results. Even small percentage improvements are amplified with a high volume of attacks.
- To Hit/Wound/Save Rolls: The base roll needed (e.g., 2+, 3+, 4+) has a massive impact. Moving from a 4+ to a 3+ hit roll increases your hit probability by 16.67%, which is substantial.
- Modifiers (+/- to Hit/Wound/Save): Each +1 or -1 modifier is equivalent to shifting your target roll by one step. A -1 AP is essentially a +1 modifier to the opponent's save roll, making it harder for them to save. These modifiers are crucial for tilting the odds.
- Re-rolls: Re-rolls significantly increase the probability of success, especially "re-roll fails." Re-rolling 1s provides a smaller but still valuable boost. The value of re-rolls is higher for lower base probabilities.
- Armor Penetration (AP): AP directly reduces the opponent's effective save. A high AP weapon can turn a formidable save characteristic into a negligible one, drastically increasing failed saves and damage.
- Damage Characteristic: While not affecting the probability of hitting or wounding, the damage per unsaved wound determines the lethality of your attacks once they get through. High damage weapons are critical for taking down multi-wound models.
- Mortal Wounds: Abilities that cause mortal wounds bypass the entire save step, making them exceptionally potent against high-save targets. Their impact is direct and often unavoidable.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Warhammer Dice Calculator
A: Yes, absolutely! Both Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar primarily use D6 dice for attack, wound, and save rolls. The underlying probability mechanics are very similar, making this calculator effective for both game systems.
A: Modifiers directly adjust the target roll needed. For example, if you need a 3+ to hit and have a +1 modifier, you now effectively need a 2+ (3-1=2). If you have a -1 modifier, you effectively need a 4+ (3+1=4). The calculator applies these adjustments before calculating probabilities.
A: "Re-roll 1s" means any die that rolls a natural '1' is re-rolled. "Re-roll Fails" means any die that does not meet the target threshold (after modifiers) is re-rolled. Re-rolling fails is generally much more powerful as it gives you a second chance on a larger number of dice.
A: In Warhammer, a 7+ save is impossible to achieve, meaning the save automatically fails. If a unit has a 6+ save and is hit by an attack with AP-2, their effective save becomes an 8+ (6+2=8), which the calculator treats as a 7+ for calculation purposes, signifying an automatic failed save.
A: AP is a negative modifier to the target's save characteristic. For example, a unit with a 3+ save hit by an AP-1 weapon will need a 4+ to save (3+1=4). Our Warhammer Dice Calculator automatically factors this into the effective save roll.
A: For simplicity and to provide a single, clear expected damage number, the calculator asks for "Damage per Unsaved Wound" as an integer. For D3, you would typically input '2' (the average of 1, 2, 3). For D6, you would input '3.5' (the average of 1-6). The article clarifies this for practical examples.
A: While highly accurate for the core attack sequence, this calculator simplifies some complex interactions. It assumes all attacks are identical, does not account for "exploding hits/wounds" (extra hits/wounds on specific rolls beyond 6s to wound causing mortals), or complex "feel no pain" style saves that trigger after damage. It provides expected values, not the exact outcome of a single dice roll.
A: You should use this Warhammer Dice Calculator whenever you want to analyze unit efficiency, plan strategic moves, or optimize your army list. It's an excellent tool for pre-game analysis and understanding the statistical strengths and weaknesses of different matchups.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your Warhammer experience with our other valuable resources:
- Warhammer 40k Tactics Guide: Dive deeper into advanced strategies and battlefield maneuvers.
- Ultimate Army List Building Guide: Learn how to craft competitive army lists tailored to your playstyle.
- Unit Analysis Tool: Compare the effectiveness of different units side-by-side.
- Stratagem Planner: Optimize your stratagem usage for maximum impact in critical moments.
- Terrain Rules Explained: Master the nuances of terrain for tactical advantage.
- In-Depth Faction Guides: Explore detailed breakdowns of various Warhammer factions and their unique abilities.