1st-level evocation · 2024 version below
A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + 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 1d4 for each slot level above 1st.
| Spell slot level | Healing | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1d4 + mod | 2.5 + mod |
| 2nd | 2d4 + mod | 5 + mod |
| 3rd | 3d4 + mod | 7.5 + mod |
| 4th | 4d4 + mod | 10 + mod |
| 5th | 5d4 + mod | 12.5 + mod |
| 6th | 6d4 + mod | 15 + mod |
| 7th | 7d4 + mod | 17.5 + mod |
| 8th | 8d4 + mod | 20 + mod |
| 9th | 9d4 + mod | 22.5 + mod |
Averages are the dice’s expected total; “mod” is your spellcasting ability modifier. Roll any row in the dice roller.
A creature you can see within 60 feet regains 1d4 plus your spellcasting modifier in hit points. That’s not much healing. What makes it one of the best 1st-level spells in the game is that it’s a bonus action at range with only a verbal component.
Its real job is getting a downed ally back up. A character at 0 hit points who gets any healing is conscious again and takes their next turn normally, and you still have your action for an attack or a cantrip. You don’t need to reach them, and you don’t need a free hand.
Only a cantrip with a casting time of 1 action. If you cast a spell as a bonus action, you can’t cast any other leveled spell that turn, even with an extra action. Healing Word plus Sacred Flame is fine; Healing Word plus Fireball isn’t.
Yes, it has to be a creature you can see within 60 feet. Around a corner or in magical darkness, you can’t target them.
Healing someone at 0 is efficient: none of it is wasted, and they get their turn back. The risk is that a creature at 0 fails a death save each time it takes damage, and two if it’s a critical hit, which any hit from within 5 feet of an unconscious creature is. Pick them up quickly.
Yes. It only needs a verbal component. You can’t cast it if you’re silenced, gagged or incapacitated.
No, it has no effect on either.
Yes. The 2024 Player’s Handbook doubles it to 2d4 plus your modifier, and 2d4 more per slot level. This page and the builder use the 2014 rules.
| Spell | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Cure Wounds | 1d8 instead of 1d4, but it takes your action and you must touch the target. |
| Mass Healing Word | 3rd level: the same healing to up to six creatures within 60 feet, still a bonus action. The party-wide pick-up. |
| Spare the Dying | A cantrip that stabilizes a creature at 0 hit points but doesn’t wake it. Costs nothing, but your ally still loses their turns. |
| Aid | 2nd level: +5 maximum and current hit points for three creatures for 8 hours. Prevention rather than cure. |
| Class | First available | Spellcasting ability |
|---|---|---|
| Bard spells | 1st character level | Charisma |
| Cleric spells | 1st character level | Wisdom |
| Druid spells | 1st 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 of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.
Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. The healing increases by 2d4 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