How to Use the D&D Initiative Tracker
- Enter each player or monster name plus their Dexterity modifier. Add any extra bonus such as the Alert feat or magic items.
- Click Add Combatant for every participant. They will stay in the list until you reset the tracker.
- Press Roll Initiative (or tap the space bar) to roll a d20 for every combatant, add modifiers, and automatically sort from highest to lowest.
- Read the order out loud, copy it to the clipboard, or download a CSV file for digital tables.
- Need a new round? Roll again—the previous order moves to the Saved Rounds history for reference.
Features for Dungeon Masters
- Bulk Management: Save as many combatants as you need, from single adventuring parties to sprawling boss fights.
- Automatic Sorting: The tracker sorts by total result, then Dexterity modifiers, and finally alphabetical order to break ties.
- Export Options: Copy formatted text, grab a CSV file, or keep a persistent history of every round.
- Local Storage: Participants stay on the page even if you reload, so prep sessions can happen ahead of game night.
- Keyboard Friendly: Use the space bar to re-roll while your cursor is not inside a text field.
Initiative Rules in D&D 5e
At the start of combat every creature rolls a d20 and adds their Dexterity modifier. Players can also add proficiency if a class feature says so (like Jack of All Trades), while monsters usually just use Dex. The Dungeon Master ranks the results from highest to lowest and that order repeats each round. If two creatures tie, compare Dexterity modifiers. If those are also equal, the DM can choose the order or have the creatures roll again.
Certain features interact with initiative: the Alert feat adds +5, Gloom Stalker rangers receive an extra attack during the first turn, and some monsters gain lair actions at initiative count 20. This tracker accounts for those bonuses by letting you enter miscellaneous modifiers, making it easier to track surprise rounds, legendary actions, or reinforcements.
Examples and DM Tips
A level 8 rogue with +4 Dexterity and +2 proficiency from Reliable Talent would enter +6, possibly adding the Alert feat for a total of +11. A dragon with +0 Dexterity but lair actions can still be added so you remember its initiative count 20 ability. During large encounters, keep minions grouped with the same name ("Skeleton 1", "Skeleton 2") and use the download feature to send the order to remote players in VTT sessions.
Pair this tracker with the full D&D dice roller for damage rolls and saving throws, or the attack roller for player strikes. Internal links help your table bounce between mechanics without breaking immersion.