Dispel Magic 5e: Ability Checks, Targets, and Upcasting

I’ve always liked Dispel Magic because it rewards understanding what kind of magic is actually present. It can strip several ongoing spells from a creature, collapse a magical barrier, or end a dangerous effect at range. It cannot erase every supernatural feature, though, and it resolves after a spell exists rather than interrupting the original casting.

Dispel Magic 5e — Quick Spell Reference

How Does Dispel Magic Work in 5e?

The caster chooses one creature, object, or magical effect within 120 feet. Every spell of 3rd level or lower on that target ends. For each spell of 4th level or higher on the target, the caster makes a separate ability check using their spellcasting ability. The DC is 10 plus that spell’s level, and a success ends that spell.

This is an ability check, not an attack roll or saving throw. The caster adds their spellcasting ability modifier, but does not add proficiency unless a feature specifically applies to the check. Effects that improve general ability checks may apply when their wording permits it.

No concentration is required. Dispel Magic happens immediately and then ends.

What Can Dispel Magic Target?

Targeting a creature or object can end multiple spells affecting it. Spells of 3rd level or lower end automatically, while each higher-level spell is checked separately. Targeting one freestanding magical effect instead focuses the spell on that effect.

Dispel Magic does not require the target to be a creature, but the caster still needs a valid target within range and a clear path under the normal spellcasting rules. Some spell effects are visible or have obvious sources; finding or identifying an unseen effect may require information the spell itself does not provide.

The target is the creature, object, or effect carrying the ongoing spell—not necessarily the original caster.

Target choice changes the scope. Targeting a creature resolves the spell against ongoing spells on that creature, but it does not also end every area spell affecting the space around it. To end a freestanding effect such as a wall or cloud, target that magical effect itself.

How Does the Dispel Magic Ability Check Work?

For a spell above the level of the Dispel Magic slot, roll 1d20 and add the caster’s spellcasting ability modifier. The DC is 10 + the target spell’s level, so a 6th-level spell requires DC 16. This check has no automatic success on a natural 20 or automatic failure on a natural 1 because it is an ability check, not an attack roll.

When several higher-level spells are on the chosen creature or object, make a separate check for each. The caster does not choose only one of them unless the caster instead targets one specific magical effect.

Can Dispel Magic End Any Magical Effect?

Despite the phrase “magical effect” in its targeting line, Dispel Magic ends spells. It does not switch off a magic item’s inherent properties, remove a vampire’s Charm ability, or cancel every feature described as magical. It can end a spell cast from a magic item because that effect is still a spell.

An instantaneous spell cannot normally be dispelled after it resolves. Its magic has already produced its result and ended. For example, Dispel Magic does not remove hit points restored by an instantaneous healing spell or destroy an undead creature created by an instantaneous casting of Animate Dead.

Some spells also state that Dispel Magic cannot end them or impose a special requirement. Those specific rules override its normal resolution.

What Is the Difference Between Dispel Magic and Counterspell?

Counterspell interrupts a spell while it is being cast. Dispel Magic targets an ongoing spell after that spell has taken effect. It cannot undo instantaneous damage or prevent an instantaneous effect by being readied in place of Counterspell.

A readied Dispel Magic can respond after an ongoing spell appears, but the trigger occurs only after the triggering event. If the new spell has an instantaneous duration, there is no continuing spell left to end.

Casting at Higher Levels

When Dispel Magic uses a slot of 4th level or higher, it automatically ends any spell on the target whose level is no higher than the slot used. The caster still makes checks against spells above that slot level.

Dispel Magic slot	Automatically ends spells of…
3rd	3rd level or lower
4th	4th level or lower
5th	5th level or lower
6th	6th level or lower
7th	7th level or lower
8th	8th level or lower
9th	9th level or lower

Upcasting does not change the range or allow additional targets.

Dispel Magic: 2014 vs. 2024 Rules

The core mechanics are unchanged in 2024: the spell targets a creature, object, or magical effect; automatically ends qualifying lower-level spells; and uses a spellcasting ability check against higher-level spells.

Rule	2014 version	2024 version
Spell wording	Ends any spell on the target	Explicitly ends any ongoing spell on the target
Core classes	Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard	Same classes, plus Ranger

The word “ongoing” makes the existing instantaneous-spell limitation clearer, while Ranger access is the material class-list change. This page’s spelltable uses the 2014 Player’s Handbook list.

Tactical Uses and Limitations

Dispel Magic is valuable against buffs, debuffs, magical hazards, barriers, areas of control, and other effects with continuing durations. Upcasting is most reliable when the level of the opposing spell is known and failure would be costly.

The spell does not reveal every magical effect automatically, and a failed check still expends the slot. It also cannot solve magic-item properties, instantaneous results, or effects that are magical but are not spells.

FAQ

Does proficiency apply to the Dispel Magic check?

Not by default. The check uses the caster’s spellcasting ability modifier. Proficiency applies only if a specific feature says it does.

Can one casting end several spells on a creature?

Yes. When a creature is targeted, the spell resolves against every spell on that target, with separate checks for higher-level effects.

Can Dispel Magic disable a magic item?

No. It can end a spell cast by an item, but it does not remove the item’s inherent magical properties.

Can Dispel Magic reverse an instantaneous spell?

No. Once an instantaneous spell has resolved, there is no ongoing spell left to dispel.