d4s

D4s are four-sided dice used in a variety of tabletop games. A d4 is a tetrahedron, a polyhedron with four triangular faces. The faces are labeled with the numbers 1 through 4. The result of a roll is interpreted according to the die's design; most conventional d4s have numerals on all faces and the value is read from the face that lands face up or, in some designs, from markings on the base or underside. The exact reading convention can vary by manufacturer and game system.

D4s are commonly used in role-playing games to resolve small outcomes such as minor damage, light movement, or quick checks. They also appear in board games and educational activities as a simple random-number generator. In many game ecosystems, the d4 is used in combination with other dice to produce varied distributions.

Manufacturing and design variations include different materials (plastic, resin, wood, metal, and stone), finishes (opaque colors, translucent or glow-in-the-dark), and decorative features. Some dice use high-contrast numerals to improve readability in loud gaming environments. The tetrahedral form remains the standard due to its simplicity and distinct silhouette, though there are many aesthetically distinct variants marketed for enthusiasts.

History and usage context: The d4 is among the standard dice used in modern tabletop gaming, with a strong association to role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, though its use spans many genres.