Twenty Sided Dice Physics and Fairness for Better Rolls

Updated on: 2025-11-06

This friendly guide breaks down everything you need to know about twenty sided dice (d20) — what they are, how to roll and read them with confidence, and how to pick the best options for your table. You’ll get actionable tips on materials, balance, visibility, and care, plus a clear step-by-step process for reading results and applying modifiers. We’ll also cover what games use a 20-sided dice, and how custom engraved sets can elevate your tabletop RPG sessions.

Why twenty sided dice matter for tabletop play
Essential tips for twenty sided dice
Detailed step-by-step: how to roll a d20 and read the results
What games use twenty sided dice?
1. Beyond D&D: other systems that love a d20
Choosing the best twenty sided dice for Dungeons & Dragons
Custom engraved twenty sided dice set ideas
Summary and takeaway for twenty sided dice
Frequently asked questions about twenty sided dice

Why twenty sided dice matter for tabletop play

If you love tabletop RPG dice, you already know the twenty sided dice is the star of the show. The d20 drives tension, decides fates, and delivers those unforgettable natural 20s. Whether you’re new to polyhedral dice or hunting for the best twenty sided dice for Dungeons and Dragons, the right choice helps you roll clean, read fast, and keep the game flowing. In this guide, we’ll cover how d20s work, how to roll and read them, and how to choose a 20-sided dice that fits your style and table.

Quick refresher: a twenty sided dice (often written as “d20”) has faces numbered 1 through 20. Many systems use the d20 to check success, where higher is better and a 20 can mean a critical hit. If your set is part of a standard 7-piece pack of polyhedral dice, the d20 is the piece you’ll reach for most often.

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Essential tips for twenty sided dice

Materials and balance for reliable rolls

Resin and acrylic d20s are light, affordable, and easy to read. They’re great everyday twenty sided dice for weekly sessions.
Metal d20s feel premium and roll with authority. Use a tray to protect tables and keep the tumble fair.
Stone and wood d20s add character. They’re gorgeous, but check edges and faces for consistency so results stay even.
Test balance with a quick roll series. Roll the same d20 100 times across sessions; if one number clusters oddly, switch dice.

Visibility, size, and numbering style

High-contrast inking (white on black, black on bright colors) speeds up reading results.
Large, clean numerals help in low light. Sharp-edged twenty sided dice also present faces crisply for easy reads.
Consider size. Standard 16–22 mm d20s suit most hands; jumbo d20s are great for stream tables and big reveals.

Rolling surfaces that protect dice and tables

Use a dice tray, mat, or neoprene play surface. It protects metal d20s, reduces bounce-outs, and controls noise.
Avoid glass or stone tabletops for heavy dice. They can chip edges and dent surfaces.
Agree on a “roll zone” so results are clear, fair, and easy for everyone to see.

Care and storage to make dice last

Store your tabletop RPG dice in a soft pouch or slotted case. Keep sets together to avoid scuffs.
Wipe resin and acrylic dice with a microfiber cloth. For tougher smudges, a damp cloth and gentle soap works.
Keep solvents away from inking. If numbers fade, re-inking with paint pens can refresh contrast.
Separate metal dice from plastic sets in transit to prevent micro-scratches.

Detailed step-by-step: how to roll a d20 and read the results

Pick the right d20 for the session

Choose a twenty sided dice that’s easy to read across the table and feels good in your hand. If you’re playing at a new location, bring a tray and a backup d20 from your polyhedral dice set in case lighting or surfaces change your comfort level.

How do you roll a d20 and read the results?

Give the die a gentle shake in your cupped hand, then roll it onto a flat, clear surface. Let it settle; don’t catch it mid-spin. Read the top face number, the one that sits squarely on top, not the edge or corner. In most systems, a 20 is a critical success and a 1 is a critical failure. If your game uses modifiers (like proficiency or ability bonuses), add or subtract them after reading the face value and announce your final total clearly.

Advantage, disadvantage, and rerolls

When a rule calls for advantage, roll two d20s and take the higher result. For disadvantage, take the lower result. If an ability or feature grants a reroll, use the new result unless the rules say otherwise. Keep rerolls honest by declaring them before you pick up your dice, and make sure everyone can see the outcome.

Tracking results and table etiquette

Keep a small notepad or a character sheet margin for notable rolls. Mark criticals and near-misses. This habit makes post-session recaps more fun and helps you spot patterns if you suspect a d20 might be biased. Also, avoid “cocked” results by rerolling when a die lands at an angle or against terrain minis where the top face isn’t clear.

What games use twenty sided dice?

The most famous system is the world’s best-known fantasy RPG, which uses a d20 for attacks, skill checks, and saving throws. But twenty sided dice appear in many other systems as well. Designers love the wide range of outcomes a d20 provides; it creates dramatic swing and memorable moments.

Beyond D&D: other systems that love a d20

Many 3rd-party fantasy RPGs and retro-inspired rule sets lean on a d20 core for fast, familiar play.
Superhero and sci-fi RPGs sometimes use a d20 to resolve high-stakes actions or opposed checks.
Story-forward games may use a d20 in special modules, one-shots, or optional rules for random tables.

If you’re exploring systems that emphasize clarity and drama, a reliable twenty sided dice is a must-have. You can browse a variety of formats and finishes when you shop all dice to build a set that fits any ruleset you’re trying.

Choosing the best twenty sided dice for Dungeons & Dragons

If your main table is D&D, prioritize readability, durability, and a look that sings for your character. The best twenty sided dice for Dungeons and Dragons tend to have big, high-contrast numerals and edges sharp enough to present faces clearly. A touch of flair — suspended glitter, layered colors, or engraved runes — makes your rolls feel special without sacrificing clarity.

Combat-heavy campaigns: choose a bright, high-contrast d20 you can read from several feet away.
Rules-light or theater-of-the-mind tables: consider a fun, thematic style that matches your setting.
Streaming or recorded games: jumbo or metal twenty sided dice can add presence on camera.

Want to learn how makers achieve crisp numbering and balanced rolls? Read more about the process and craftsmanship on the about page.

Custom engraved twenty sided dice set ideas

A custom engraved twenty sided dice set turns routine rolls into personal rituals. Consider initials on the 20-face, a class symbol in the high teens, or a subtle sigil on the 1 for fun drama. For groups, matching sets with different accent colors help track who rolled what at a glance — especially when advantage and disadvantage call for multiple d20s at once.

Personal monograms on the 20-face for celebratory crits.
Faction, guild, or party emblems incorporated into the design.
Colorways that match character art, dice trays, or minis.

If you’re considering a personalized order, you can contact us to discuss feasibility, sizing, and readable numbering. Clarity always comes first, then flair.

Summary and takeaway for twenty sided dice

Here’s the short version. The twenty sided dice is the engine of many tabletop moments. Pick a d20 that’s easy to read, comfortable to roll, and balanced for fair outcomes. Use a tray, declare rerolls cleanly, and track special results. If you’re building a collection, aim for a couple of everyday d20s, one bold showpiece, and a custom engraved twenty sided dice set for special sessions. With that mix, your rolls look great and your results stay clear and consistent.

If you’re ready to upgrade your kit, explore styles and materials at Runic Dice and build a set that matches your table’s vibe.

Frequently asked questions about twenty sided dice

What games use twenty sided dice?

Plenty of fantasy RPGs rely on a d20 for attack rolls, skill checks, and saves. You’ll also find twenty sided dice in superhero and sci-fi systems, plus one-shots and modules that use d20-based random tables. The common thread is simple resolution with dramatic highs and lows, perfect for cinematic play.

How do you roll a d20 and read the results?

Roll onto a clear, flat surface (ideally a tray). Wait until the die settles; then read the top face number. Add or subtract any modifiers your game uses and announce the final value. For advantage, roll two d20s and take the higher; for disadvantage, take the lower. If a die lands cocked or off the rolling area, reroll.

Are twenty sided dice fair and truly random?

Most modern d20s are fair enough for casual play, but manufacturing differences can introduce small biases. To check, log a large sample of results over time. If one number shows up far more often than expected, consider switching to a different twenty sided dice or brand. Using a consistent rolling surface also helps.

What’s the best way to store and clean polyhedral dice?

Store dice in a soft pouch or foam-lined case to prevent scratches. Wipe resin and acrylic dice with a microfiber cloth; for stubborn grime, a little mild soap and water does the trick. Keep metal d20s separate from plastic sets in transport, and avoid harsh solvents that can damage inking.