D4 Math Tips

Using d4s for action resolution may sound slow — but it's surprisingly quick once you understand the patterns.

This page shows why adding up d4s is fast and intuitive, especially when using your hands or visual matching.

When you roll multiple d4s, many of them naturally form pairs that add up to 5:

• (1 + 4)
• (2 + 3)
• (2 + 2 + 1) also makes 5

▶ Example: You roll: 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4

You can match them like this:

$$ (1 + 4) = 5 \\ (1 + 4) = 5 \\ (2 + 3) = 5 \\ \text{Leftover } 2 = 2 $$

Total = $$ 5 + 5 + 5 + 2 = 17 $$

Just count your 5s, then add the remainder!

With a d4, the possible results are: $$ 1,\ 2,\ 3,\ 4 $$ Each has a 25% chance of appearing.

So when rolling 6 or more dice:

• Most results naturally pair into 5s
• Leftover dice are easy to total
• It’s often faster than summing random numbers

Players typically roll 3–7 d4s per action — well within the “quick math” zone.

Lay your dice out in pairs as you roll:

• Match 1s with 4s and 2s with 3s
• Stack matched pairs or move them aside
• Count “5, 10, 15…” and add leftovers

This becomes second nature after just a few turns.

It helps to use:

• One color or dice shape for Aspect d4s
• A different color or dice shape for damage dice (e.g., d6 or d8)

This makes it easier to separate pools and total quickly.