5e SRD:Dexterity

Dexterity
Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, and balance.

Dexterity Checks
A Dexterity check can model any attempt to move nimbly, quickly, or quietly, or to keep from falling on tricky footing. The, , and skills reflect aptitude in certain kinds of Dexterity checks.

Other Dexterity Checks. The GM might call for a Dexterity check when you try to accomplish tasks like the following:


 * Control a heavily laden cart on a steep descent
 * Steer a chariot around a tight turn
 * Pick a lock
 * Disable a trap
 * Securely tie up a prisoner
 * Wriggle free of bonds
 * Play a stringed instrument
 * Craft a small or detailed object

Attack Rolls and Damage
You add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a ranged weapon, such as a or a. You can also add your Dexterity modifier to your attack roll and your damage roll when attacking with a melee weapon that has the finesse property, such as a or a.

Armor Class
Depending on the armor you wear, you might add some or all of your Dexterity modifier to your Armor Class.

Initiative
At the beginning of every combat, you roll initiative by making a Dexterity check. Initiative determines the order of creatures' turns in combat.

Hiding
The GM decides when circumstances are appropriate for hiding. When you try to hide, make a  check. Until you are discovered or you stop hiding, that check's total is contested by the  check of any creature that actively searches for signs of your presence.

You can't hide from a creature that can see you clearly, and you give away your position if you make noise, such as shouting a warning or knocking over a vase.

An creature can always try to hide. Signs of its passage might still be noticed, and it does have to stay quiet.

In combat, most creatures stay alert for signs of danger all around, so if you come out of hiding and approach a creature, it usually sees you. However, under certain circumstances, the GM might allow you to stay hidden as you approach a creature that is distracted, allowing you to gain on an attack roll before you are seen.

Passive Perception. When you hide, there's a chance someone will notice you even if they aren't searching. To determine whether such a creature notices you, the GM compares your  check with that creature's passive   score, which equals 10 + the creature's  modifier, as well as any other bonuses or penalties. If the creature has, add 5. For, subtract 5. For example, if a 1st-level character (with a proficiency bonus of +2) has a of 15 (a +2 modifier) and proficiency in, he or she has a passive   of 14.

What Can You See? One of the main factors in determining whether you can find a hidden creature or object is how well you can see in an area, which might be lightly or heavily obscured, as explained in "The Environment."