1st-level evocation · 2024 version below
A creature you touch regains a number of hit points equal to 1d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.
When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the healing increases by 1d8 for each slot level above 1st.
| Spell slot level | Healing | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1d8 + mod | 4.5 + mod |
| 2nd | 2d8 + mod | 9 + mod |
| 3rd | 3d8 + mod | 13.5 + mod |
| 4th | 4d8 + mod | 18 + mod |
| 5th | 5d8 + mod | 22.5 + mod |
| 6th | 6d8 + mod | 27 + mod |
| 7th | 7d8 + mod | 31.5 + mod |
| 8th | 8d8 + mod | 36 + mod |
| 9th | 9d8 + mod | 40.5 + mod |
Averages are the dice’s expected total; “mod” is your spellcasting ability modifier. Roll any row in the dice roller.
You touch a creature and it regains 1d8 plus your spellcasting modifier in hit points: about 7 or 8 at 1st level with a +3 modifier. It costs your action and you have to be next to your target, which is the whole trade-off with this spell.
Any healing brings a creature at 0 hit points back to consciousness, so Cure Wounds is also a way to pick up a downed ally. It can’t raise the dead, and it doesn’t work at all on undead or constructs.
Yes. Any amount of healing wakes a dying creature, and it has the hit points you rolled. It can’t bring back someone who has died; that takes a spell like Revivify.
Yes. A touch spell can target you unless it says otherwise.
No. Each slot level above 1st adds another 1d8; your spellcasting modifier is added once.
No, it has no effect on either. A warforged player character is a humanoid, not a construct, so it can be healed normally.
In combat, usually Healing Word: it leaves your action free for an attack or a cantrip and reaches 60 feet. Cure Wounds heals about 2 more per slot level, which matters most when you have to heal outside combat with no time for a short rest.
Yes. The 2024 Player’s Handbook doubles it to 2d8 plus your modifier, and 2d8 more per slot level. This page and the builder use the 2014 rules.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Healing Word | 1d4 instead of 1d8, but a bonus action at 60 feet. The go-to for picking up downed allies mid-fight. |
| Prayer of Healing | 2nd level: 2d8 plus your modifier to up to six creatures, but it takes 10 minutes to cast. Out-of-combat healing only. |
| Mass Cure Wounds | 5th level: 3d8 plus your modifier to up to six creatures in a 30-foot sphere, as an action. |
| Aid | 2nd level: raises the maximum and current hit points of three creatures by 5 for 8 hours. Cast it before trouble, not during. |
| Heal | 6th level: a flat 70 hit points, and it ends blindness, deafness and diseases. |
| Potion of Healing | 2d4 + 2, and anyone can use it. The backup when the party’s healer is the one who’s down. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Bard spells | 1st character level | Charisma |
| Cleric spells | 1st character level | Wisdom |
| Druid spells | 1st character level | Wisdom |
| Paladin spells | 2nd character level | Charisma |
| Ranger spells | 2nd character level | Wisdom |
The 2024 Player’s Handbook revised many spells, and the SRD 5.2 carries the new text. What changed from the 2014 version above:
A creature you touch regains a number of Hit Points equal to 2d8 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The healing increases by 2d8 for each spell slot level above 1.
2024 version from the SRD 5.2. Most tables settle on one edition, so check which one yours uses.
Browse: all 1st-level spells · evocation spells