How to read a D4
D4 dice are one of the seven dice used in D&D and other tabletop roleplaying games. With so many types of d4, you might wonder how to roll and read them. Don’t worry - our guide will explain how to read a d4, show you the right way to use one, and go over the common types of d4 dice.
What is a d4 die?
A d4 is a four-sided die with the numbers 1 to 4 on it. It is sometimes called a pyramid die, a tetrahedron die, or just a d4.
Above: Two common types of d4 dice - a bottom-read d4 and a top-read d4.
This simple-looking die, essential for many tabletop adventures, often confuses beginners. But don’t worry - we’ll show you how to use a d4.
What is the average roll on a d4?
The average roll on a d4 die is 2.5. To calculate the average roll, add all the possible outcomes (1 + 2 + 3 + 4), then divide the total by the number of outcomes (4). 10 divided by 4 equals 2.5.
How to roll a d4
To roll a d4 fairly, it’s best to use a dice tower or give it a good shake and roll it in a dice tray. Avoid simply dropping it or rolling it gently. The randomness of a d4 roll comes from it tumbling and bouncing around before it lands.
How to read a d4
There are two types of d4 (four-sided dice) you might find in a DND dice set. One type has the number at the bottom of the face - these are called bottom-read dice. The other type has the number at the top of the face, known as top-read dice.
Bottom-read d4
A bottom-read d4 is easy to read. Just look at the number at the bottom - that’s your roll.
Above: In our example, you rolled a 4, the best possible result!
Top-read d4
Top-read d4s are the most common type of d4 dice. Traditionally, d4s were bottom-read. But as D&D and tabletop gaming grew more popular, and more dice were made, people started experimenting with different designs; this led to the creation of top-read d4s.
To read a top-read d4, look at the number on the top - that’s the number you rolled.
Above: In this example, you rolled a 4.
Other types of d4 dice
Some other types of d4 dice exist. For example, many of our sharp-edged resin dice sets include the elongated long style with four slim triangular faces.
Above: A quirky d4 die from our blue Dragon Eye Rolling Dice Set.
To use this type of d4, simply roll it, and the number on the side facing upwards is the number you rolled.
Are D4 dice fair?
Yes, d4 dice are designed to give an equal chance of rolling any of the four possible outcomes. However, it’s important to roll them in a way that allows them to tumble and move around. Simply dropping a d4 isn’t always a fair way to roll it.
To ensure fairness, it’s also important to buy quality dice from trusted sellers. Poorly made dice can be unbalanced and affect the randomness of rolls. Choosing a reliable source is one of the main things to consider when buying D&D dice.
What do you roll a D4 for?
In Dungeons and Dragons, you roll a d4 to determine the damage dealt by small weapons and certain spells. As the smallest die among the seven used in D&D, the d4 has a specific role in calculating damage.
For a full explanation, check out our guide that explores the dice used in D&D and how they work.
What size are d4 dice?
Four-sided dice come in different sizes, ranging from 16mm to 27mm. In our dice size comparison guide, we found that the average size of a traditional pyramid-style d4 is 18mm from bottom to top.
Dice to help guide your adventures
Now that you're familiar with how to use d4 dice, go forth on your adventures with confidence! Just be sure you also know how to roll and read a d100, as it can be deceptively tricky.
As you begin your tabletop journey, consider enhancing it with our range of D&D dice sets, including our stunning metal dice sets. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a newcomer, we have something special waiting for you.
