I like making spreadsheets, especially if they're DnD related! So here's one that breaks down different methods for rolling up character stats.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JyawN3vzwEuZ-p4SQ1XKJrgTK3ghOgej7v3i51SYdK0/edit?usp=sharing

Currently it contains these rolling methods:
- original method 3d6
- the "scroll method" (from *scrollforinitiative*) 3d6 7 times, reroll 1s, drop lowest stat
- current method 4d6, drop lowest die
- someone else's 4d6 7 times, drop lowest die, then drop lowest stat
- and standard array as a baseline

I set up a bunch of random tables for dice rolls, then added them up following the prescribed methods. What you will find is average score totals, highest and lowest roll, and average spread for stat variety. Depending on how you like your characters' stats, you can determine the best approach (of those listed) to getting characters rolled up for your game.
Details

For example, my average total points for the OG 3d6 method is about 62, which puts the average ability score 10-11. This is expected, as 10 and 11 are the most likely numbers to roll on 3d6. Standard array is 64 points, so 3d6 is mildly worse than that.

The other 3 methods fall about the same at around 74 points total. This puts the average ability score at around 12. This may vary a little between the methods of course, with the high rolls of both 4d6 methods having a tendency to be higher, and the Scroll method's low rolls being less likely to be really low rolls.

For point spread, the Scroll method turned out to generally be the tightest, and the OG 3d6 generally the most varied. And the "someone else" method isn't too far behind. The whole idea of dropping multiple things really limits the variety. Current 4d6 basically has the effect of shifting OG 3d6 up by 3, and is technically the second worst for spread size.
Takeaway

So it sums up like so:

OG 3d6: "I'm pretty average. What I lack in one ability, I make up for in another right? Right? My chances of having a 3 is the same as my chances of having an 18...But a 5 is decently possible...eww. But hey! I like it rough!"

Scroll method: "At least I'm not that bad. no 5's here! 6 is my minimum, which is just as unlikely as an 18. All my stats are pretty much the same, so I'll be generally ok or better at everything."

Current 4d6: "Pfft! Variety is where it's at! I have a pretty decent chance of getting 16s and 17s over here, and there's an off chance you'll get something below 10. But that's what builds character right?"

Someone else's 4d6: "Yeah, you could do that, but... why not eliminate stats below 10 almost entirely? Weakness is for the weak! And the NPCs! We're meant to be badass, so let's make it that way! RAR!"


Thanks for getting to the bottom. Here's a quick teaser. If you have any more methods you use or have heard about, let me know and I'll see about adding them in! No point buy though. It's basically standard array and doesn't involve dice rolls.

![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmZmaJJCUKndQVz49EkfCEDncd3WHrASMycUgeaWfJ5UMp/image.png)