Spell reference · Updated September 2026
Fireball
Fireball is a level 3 evocation spell in D&D 5e (2024 rules), available to Sorcerer, Wizard. Casting time: Action. Range: 150 feet. Duration: Instantaneous.
- Level
- Level 3
- School
- Evocation
- Casting Time
- Action
- Range
- 150 feet
- Components
- V, S, M
- Duration
- Instantaneous
M (a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur)
Description
A bright streak flashes from your pointing finger to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame. Each creature in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on that point must make a Dexterity saving throw. A target takes 8d6 Fire damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one. It ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
At Higher Levels
The damage increases by 1d6 for each spell slot level above 3.
Using Fireball at the table
Place the center of the sphere before resolving damage, and check which allies and unattended flammable objects fall inside it. The spell affects creatures in its area; it does not automatically spare your party.
The 2024 spell text does not include the older exception about spreading around corners. Use your table’s area-of-effect and cover rules when walls obstruct the blast.
A higher slot adds one damage die per slot level, but does not enlarge the sphere. A 4th-level slot therefore deals 9d6 damage in the same area.
Classes that can cast Fireball
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