How many 9th-level spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?

There are 15 9th-level spells in the SRD. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.

What spell slot does a 9th-level spell need?

Casting it requires a slot of 9th level or higher. Many spells also gain a stronger effect when cast with a higher-level slot — the individual spell entry lists what upcasting does.

What character level can cast 9th-level spells?

It depends on the class. Full casters such as wizards, clerics and druids gain their first slot of this level earlier than half-casters such as paladins and rangers, who may never reach the highest levels at all. Check the class table for the exact progression.

Spells by level

D&D 5e 9th-Level Spells

There are 15 9th-level spells in the D&D 5e SRD. Casting one requires a spell slot of 9th level or higher. Tap any spell for its full casting text and higher-level effects.

Spell level:

15 results

What's at this level

The 15 9th-level spells in the SRD are 4 conjuration and 3 transmutation, with 8 more across other groups. 5 of them require concentration, which is the real constraint on this level — you can only hold one at a time, so two concentration spells in the same slot range compete rather than combine. None can be cast as a ritual at this level.

How to use these spells

Sixth level and above are campaign-altering effects, and most characters will only ever have one or two slots at these levels. That scarcity is the design: a spell at this tier should be worth a whole scene. The practical advice is to hold them rather than spend them on ordinary encounters — a single high-level slot kept in reserve is worth more than one spent making a fair fight easier.

What DMs should know

These spells break the assumptions the rest of the game rests on: distance, death, truth and time. Plan around them explicitly at this tier rather than being surprised. The most common failure is a mystery plot that a high-level divination answers in one casting — either make the answer partial, or make the interesting problem what the party does with it once they know.

Common questions

How many 9th-level spells are in the D&D 5e SRD?: There are 15 9th-level spells in the SRD. The SRD is the free subset of the rules, so the Player's Handbook contains more.
What spell slot does a 9th-level spell need?: Casting it requires a slot of 9th level or higher. Many spells also gain a stronger effect when cast with a higher-level slot — the individual spell entry lists what upcasting does.
What character level can cast 9th-level spells?: It depends on the class. Full casters such as wizards, clerics and druids gain their first slot of this level earlier than half-casters such as paladins and rangers, who may never reach the highest levels at all. Check the class table for the exact progression.

From the shop

Printable Spell Cards

Every class spell as an illustrated, printable card — hand your players the spell instead of a rulebook page.

Browse Spell Cards on Etsy →

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