Average Damaged By Different Dice?
- Thread starter Valicor
- Start date
orbitalfreak
Explorer
1d6 avg is 3.5
2d6 avg is 7
1d12 avg is 6.5
2d6 avg is 7
1d12 avg is 6.5
ConcreteBuddha
First Post
Average of 1d12 is: 1 + (12 - 1)/2 = 6.5
Average of 2d6 is: (2 x 1d6 average) or 2 x (1 + (6 - 1)/2) = 7
Since you might ask, the reason why people don't all choose 2d6 weapons instead of 1d12 weapons is because you have a greater chance of rolling max damage (12) on less dice (1d12).
edit: beat me to it...
Average of 2d6 is: (2 x 1d6 average) or 2 x (1 + (6 - 1)/2) = 7
Since you might ask, the reason why people don't all choose 2d6 weapons instead of 1d12 weapons is because you have a greater chance of rolling max damage (12) on less dice (1d12).
edit: beat me to it...
Last edited:
Dr. Zoom
First Post
This cannot be correct.ConcreteBuddha said:
The average of 1d12 is 6.5 and 2d6 is 7. No problem. But your calculations do not result in these numbers.
1 + (12 - 1) / 2 = x
1 + 11 / 2 = x
12 / 2 = x
x = 6 (not 6.5)
Same problem with the 2d6 calculation.
I just add the lowest possible result from a roll and the highest possible result, divide that number by 2 and that is your average. So for 1d12, add 1 and 12 together for a total of 13 and divide 13 by 2 for an average of 6.5. For 2d6, the lowest roll is 2 and the highest 12. Added together you get 14. Divide by 2 for an average of 7.
Last edited:
CRGreathouse
Community Supporter
Dr. Zoom said:
No.
1 + (12 - 1) / 2 = x
1 + 11 / 2 = x
1 + 5.5 = x
6.5 = x
Pielorinho
Iron Fist of Pelor
Interestingly, I play a PC with a 2d4 weapon (avg damage: 5) and a 1d10 weapon (avg damage: 5.5). I usually use the 2d4 weapon. Although its damage is slightly lower, its tendency to do a predictable amount of damage is more useful to me.
That is, since it gravitates toward the middle of its damage range (as opposed to being spread equally along the range), I can more accurately predict how much damage my attack will inflict and can plan my actions accordingly.
Of course, the 2d4 weapon also has reach and can trip, which definitely tips the balance. But even without these advantages, I might choose 2d4 over 1d10.
Daniel
That is, since it gravitates toward the middle of its damage range (as opposed to being spread equally along the range), I can more accurately predict how much damage my attack will inflict and can plan my actions accordingly.
Of course, the 2d4 weapon also has reach and can trip, which definitely tips the balance. But even without these advantages, I might choose 2d4 over 1d10.
Daniel
