Caster level (2024)

Caster level is a measure of the power with which a spellcaster casts a spell gained from a particular class.

e.g.
A multiclassed character with 4 sorcerer class levels and 2 cleric levels has an equal caster level for sorcerer spells as a single-class character with only 4 sorcerer levels but no cleric levels.

Generally, caster level is equal to the character's class level for the class which is providing access to that spell. If a character has access to the same spell from different classes only the specific class being used for preparing and casting each instance is used as the caster level.

Paladins and rangers[]

For spellcasting, the level of a paladin or ranger only counts as ½ for determining caster level.

Gameplay Notes[]

Caster level effects several aspects of spellcasting. These effects are generally noted in the spell definitions. Examples:

• Damage spell effects may be based on caster level. Example: TheFireballspelldoes 1d6 points of fire damage per caster level up to a maximum of 10d6.
• Casting Spell Penetration: Caster level effects the ability of a spell to penetrate the Spell Resistanceof a target. (seeSpell Resistance)
• Duration: Caster level effects the duration of spells such asAcid Fogwhich lasts 1 round for every two caster levels of the caster.
• Grapple, Hold, Attack rolls: Caster level is used in the calculations for Grapple, Hold and Attack rolls for the Bigby spells (i.e.Bigby's Clenched Fist, Bigby's Crushing HandandBigby's Grasping Hand).

Practiced Spellcaster Feat Notes[]

The Practiced Spellcaster feat will increase the caster level by as much as +4 levels but is only effective for multi-classed spell casters and/or classes with levels that do not grant caster level. Paladins and rangers are fully affected by this feat as they are treated as half level for casting. This means that a paladin 10 / sorcerer 6 with the Practiced spellcaster affecting his paladin levels will cast spells as a 9th level caster (paladin 10 = 5th level + 4 levels from the feat) while a Paladin 10 without any other classes will be caster level 9 as well (5 from paladin and 4 from practiced caster).

The Arcane Scholar of Candlekeep, Arcane Trickster, Eldritch Knight, Harper Agent, Pale Master, and Red Wizard of Thay prestige classes will increase caster level progression for arcane casters, while Doomguide, Harper Agent, Sacred Fist, Stormlord and Warpriest will increase caster level progression for divine casters.

Bugs[]

Caster level can be increased past character level if the player has levels in prestige classes that grant caster level. A Sorcerer 20/Arcane Scholar of Candlekeep 10 for example will be caster level 30 but with practiced caster he will be caster level 34.

The practiced caster feat works correctly when combined with non-casting levels or levels of other casting classes than the class the feat is targeted on. For example a Fighter 3/Wizard 4 would be a caster level 7 with practiced caster or caster level 4 without. While a Cleric 6/Harper Agent 4/Fighter 1 would be caster level 13 (6 from cleric, 3 HA, 4 PC).