1d5

1d5 is the notation used to denote a single five-sided die roll. It is designed to produce a random integer in the range 1 to 5 with equal likelihood, assuming a fair die. The five-sided die is less common than standard dice such as d6 or d20, but it appears in various tabletop games and in dice sets marketed for role-playing games and board games.

Physical design and reading conventions vary by manufacturer. In practice, a d5 is a small die labeled with the numbers 1 through 5 on its faces. How a result is read can differ: some designs require reading the number on the face that settles upward, while others use a bottom-face convention or a readout printed for quick interpretation. Because there is no single universal shape or reading rule for all five-sided dice, players should consult the specific die’s instructions to determine how results are reported.

In gameplay, 1d5 functions as a basic random generator for small values and is sometimes used directly to resolve effects, determine simple quantities, or be combined with modifiers (for example, 1d5+2). In digital implementations, 1d5 is typically simulated by generating a random integer from 1 to 5. The uniform distribution across the five outcomes makes 1d5 a straightforward primitive for game mechanics and probability calculations.

See also: dice notation, polyhedral dice, d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20.