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Magic and spellcasters are key components of Dungeons & Dragons. Out of the thirteen available classes in D&D, nine can naturally cast spells, while the remaining four can access subclasses that provide a hint of magical ability.
However, the way various spellcasters access their magic differs greatly. Some spellcasters acquire new spells as they journey, while others decide on a set of spells to prepare each day. This can be confusing for those new to spellcasting, so we’ll break down everything you need to know about spell preparation in the fifth edition of D&D!
Last updated February 16, 2025, by Jack Filsinger: With the debut of the 2024 Player’s Handbook, there have been some adjustments to the rules regarding how many spells you can prepare in 5e. This update includes fresh guidelines for spell preparation and tables detailing how preparing spells operates across different classes and levels.
What Is Spell Preparation?
Preparing spells in D&D involves selecting which spells you can cast from your class’s spell list. This means you can use any spell from that list, instead of being restricted to only the few you know.
Even when prepared, spellcasters still need to have available spell slots to cast their chosen spells.
While there’s more flexibility with spell preparation, a character must choose which spells to cast from their list at the beginning of each day and get them ready.
This adaptability allows players to prepare spells that will be beneficial for any upcoming challenges, enabling them to respond effectively to diverse situations.
Which Classes Can Prepare Spells?
While various classes can cast spells, not all of them have the ability to prepare spells each day. Below is a list of classes that can prepare spells daily, along with how many spells they can prepare.
| Class | Change Prepared Spells | Number Of Spells |
|---|---|---|
| Cleric | After completing a long rest | Any |
| Druid | After completing a long rest | Any |
| Paladin | After completing a long rest | One |
| Ranger | After completing a long rest | One |
| Wizard | After completing a long rest | Any |
Unlike clerics, druids, and paladins, while wizards can also prepare spells, their available spells come from their spellbooks instead of their class list.
How Do Bards, Sorcerers, and Warlocks Prepare Spells?
Unlike the other classes mentioned, bards, sorcerers, and warlocks do not select new spells at the start of each day. Instead, they prepare spells as follows:
| Class | Change Prepared Spells | Number Of Spells |
|---|---|---|
| Bard | When you level up | One |
| Sorcerer | When you level up | One |
| Warlock | When you level up | One |
This means these classes are somewhat less flexible with their spells, but they can still replace a spell they don’t use often with a different one whenever they level up.
How Many Spells Can You Prepare?
The number of spells a character can prepare depends on the rulebook your group is using. Rules vary between the 2024 Player’s Handbook and the one from 2014.
How Many Spells Can You Prepare In The 2024 PHB?
In the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the spells a player can prepare is based on their character’s level. For instance, here’s how many spells a druid can prepare based on their level:
| Druid Spells Prepared | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Cantrips | Prepared Spells | Spell Slots |
| 1 | 2 | 4 | |
| 2 | 2 | 5 | |
| 3 | 2 | 6 |
|
| 4 | 3 | 7 |
|
| 5 | 3 | 9 |
|
All spellcasting classes include a table to show how many spells they can prepare in their class descriptions. Check the 2024 Player’s Handbook for more class-specific details.
How Many Spells Can You Prepare In The 2014 PHB?
In the 2014 Player’s Handbook, the number of spells a character can prepare is determined by the class’s spellcasting ability modifier plus their character level (sometimes rounded down).
Additionally, preparing spells requires one minute of meditation per spell level for each new spell prepared.
| Class | Number Of Spells Prepared |
|---|---|
| Cleric | Wisdom modifier + cleric level. |
| Druid | Wisdom modifier + druid level. |
| Paladin | Charisma modifier + half of paladin level, rounded down. |
| Wizard | Intelligence modifier + wizard level. |
In the 2014 Player’s Handbook, Rangers do not prepare spells daily; they instead have a set list of known spells.
For other classes that can cast spells, including subclasses like the Eldritch Knight fighter or the Arcane Trickster rogue, spells are just known rather than prepared.
All other classes have a limited number of spells they know, which changes based on their level, as detailed in each class description. This is similar to the rules in the 2024 Player’s Handbook, but be sure to check each class’s specific rules.
The same rules from the 2024 Player’s Handbook regarding swapping out spells when leveling up apply to bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and rangers.
How Do Spell Slots Affect Prepared Spells?
When preparing spells, there’s no obligation for a specific number of prepared spells to be of the same level. For instance, a level five Druid can have any combination of first-level, second-level, or third-level spells.
A character could choose to prepare only first-level spells if they desire. The selection is entirely up to the player.
Even though a character can prepare any number of spells at any level, it’s crucial to keep track of available spell slots.
While higher-level spells may be stronger, only preparing high-level spells means a character may not utilize their lower-level spell slots adequately.
Can You Cast Spells That Aren’t Prepared?
While the rules governing spell preparation are followed in most games, there are exceptions to these norms. There are several methods to bypass these rules.
| Exception | Details |
|---|---|
| Always-Prepared Spells |
Some class features might allow spells to be always prepared. If so, it does not count against your total prepared spells. |
| Cantrips |
Cantrips are always prepared and do not need slots or preparation. |
| Special Abilities |
Certain races or classes grant abilities that let them cast spells at will. Generally, you don’t need to have the spell prepared unless specified. |
| Magic Items |
Magic items that let you cast spells typically don’t require preparation or spell slots. This also applies to spell scrolls unless stated otherwise. |
If you are uncertain whether an ability or item counts against your prepared spells, check its description or consult your DM.
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