Dispel Magic

A
Utility

Dispel Magic is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that ends magical effects on a creature, object, or area, unraveling lesser spells and challenging stronger ones.

2024 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Choose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level). On a successful check, the spell ends.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. You automatically end a spell on the target if the spell's level is equal to or less than the level of the spell slot you use.

2014 Rules
Level & School
3rd-level abjuration
Casting Time
Action
Range
120 feet
Components
V, S
Duration
Instantaneous
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

Choose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any spell of 3rd level or lower on the target ends. For each spell of 4th level or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability. The DC equals 10 + the spell's level. On a successful check, the spell ends.

Using a Higher-Level Spell Slot. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, you automatically end the effects of a spell on the target if the spell's level is equal to or less than the level of the spell slot you used.

Dispel Magic 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

Now also available to Rangers.

Dispel Magic popularity

Dispel Magic is one of the most popular level 3 spells in the game. Choosing it adds a D&D staple to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Dispel Magic

  • Counterspell 3rd-level abjuration

    It directly interacts with other spells at casting time and is the go-to option for stopping magic, so players reach for it for many of the same problems Dispel Magic solves.

  • Antimagic Field 8th-level abjuration

    This creates an area that suppresses magic entirely, offering a broader but conceptually related way to neutralize ongoing spells and magical effects.

  • Globe of Invulnerability 6th-level abjuration

    It prevents lower-level spells from affecting a protected space, which is functionally similar to ending or blocking spells up to a certain level.

  • Remove Curse 3rd-level abjuration

    Though narrower in scope, it removes persistent supernatural effects from a target, making it a closely related tool for dealing with harmful ongoing magic.

  • Dispel Evil and Good 5th-level abjuration

    This abjuration option targets and ends supernatural influences on a creature, so players pick it when they need a stronger, more specific cleanse than Dispel Magic.

Dispel Magic is featured in