6-Sided Dice for Every Game

Six-sided dice come in a variety of sizes, but two of the most common are 12mm and 16mm. Both are excellent choices for tabletop gaming, and the right size often depends on how you plan to use them.

12mm D6 Dice: These smaller, compact dice are especially useful for games that require rolling large numbers of dice at once. They're easy to gather, take up less space on the gaming table, and are popular with miniature wargamers.

16mm D6 Dice: Considered a standard size for many board games and tabletop games, 16mm dice are comfortable to handle and easy to read. They're a great all-around choice for players who prefer a slightly larger die.

Other D6 Sizes: You'll occasionally encounter six-sided dice smaller than 12mm or larger than 16mm. Very small dice are often considered miniature or novelty dice and, in our experience, can be more difficult to read, handle, and roll comfortably. Larger dice, including 18mm sets, offer a little extra room for decorative designs and are a fun choice for players who enjoy a more substantial die.

Not sure which size is right for you? Take a look at our D6 size comparison above to see how the two most common sizes measure up!

Six-sided dice generally display their results in one of two ways: traditional dots, called pips, or printed or engraved numbers.

Pipped dice are the familiar style found in many classic board games, including Yahtzee and Monopoly. They're also popular in miniature wargames and other tabletop games where players frequently roll several dice at once.

Numbered D6 dice display the numbers 1 through 6 instead of dots. They're commonly found in tabletop roleplaying games, particularly as part of polyhedral dice sets, and offer a different look that some players prefer.

Both styles work the same way, so choosing between pips and numbers is largely a matter of personal preference and the type of dice you enjoy using.

Six-sided dice are made from a variety of materials, but plastic and metal are two of the most popular choices. Each offers a different look and feel, and both have their place at the gaming table.

Plastic D6 Dice: Lightweight, affordable, and available in a wonderful variety of colors and finishes, plastic dice are an excellent choice for everyday gaming. They're especially practical for board games and miniature wargames where players may need to roll large numbers of dice at once.

Metal D6 Dice: There's something special about the satisfying weight of metal dice in your hand. Imagine your adventuring party facing a fearsome dragon. You've landed a powerful hit, and now it's time to roll for damage. You gather a handful of heavy metal D6 dice, feel their weight in your palm, and send them tumbling across your dice tray with a satisfying clatter. In our experience, moments like these are part of what makes tabletop gaming so memorable. Because of their weight, we recommend rolling metal dice on a padded dice tray or other suitable surface to help protect your gaming table.

Ultimately, choosing between plastic and metal dice comes down to personal preference. Both are great choices, whether you're preparing for your next gaming session or adding something special to your dice collection.

Most six-sided dice have gently rounded corners and edges, making them comfortable to handle and easy to roll. They're a popular choice for board games, tabletop roleplaying games, and miniature wargames.

Square-cornered dice have sharper, more defined edges and a distinctive look and feel. Some players prefer their crisp appearance, while others enjoy the familiar feel of rounded dice. At Dark Elf Dice, most of our D6 sets have rounded corners, but we also carry a few square-cornered options.

Both styles are excellent choices for everyday gaming. Ultimately, choosing between rounded and square-cornered dice comes down to personal preference and the look and feel you enjoy most.

How many six-sided dice do you need? That depends on the games you play! Some games require only one or two D6 dice, while others call for rolling several at once. The number of dice included in a set can also vary by manufacturer.

12-Count D6 Sets: Most of our standard 16mm six-sided dice come in sets of 12. These are a versatile choice for board games, tabletop roleplaying games, and other games where having a handful of matching dice comes in handy.

27-Count and 36-Count D6 Sets: Our compact 12mm dice typically come in sets of 27 or 36. These larger sets are especially useful for miniature wargames and other games that involve rolling lots of dice simultaneously. Their smaller size makes it easier to roll and gather larger groups of dice.

Specialty D6 Sets: Some of our specialty six-sided dice come in smaller sets of five or six. In our experience, these smaller sets are great for tabletop roleplaying games, where you may only need a handful of D6 dice at a time. They're also a fun way to add something a little different to your gaming collection.

Bulk D6 Assortments: Need lots of dice? Our bulk D6 assortments are sold by the pound rather than by a specific dice count. They're a practical choice for gaming groups, clubs, and anyone who enjoys having plenty of extra dice on hand.

Not sure how many dice you'll need? Check the requirements of your favorite games, and remember that having a few extras never hurts!

Who says six-sided dice have to be ordinary? Beyond traditional D6 sets, there's a wonderful variety of specialty and novelty dice that bring a little extra personality to the gaming table.

Unusual Shapes: Some D6 dice feature creative designs that go beyond the familiar cube. From dice shaped like bones to metal dice resembling bullets, these unusual styles can be a fun addition to tabletop roleplaying games, miniature wargames, and themed adventures.

Decorative and Themed Dice: Other specialty D6 dice retain their traditional six-sided shape but feature imaginative designs, translucent materials, or decorative inclusions. Some even draw inspiration from familiar fantasy creatures, such as the iconic gelatinous cube from Dungeons & Dragons.

Whether you're looking for dice that complement a particular character, match the theme of your game, or simply make you smile, specialty D6 dice offer another way to express your personality and enjoy the adventure.

Six-sided dice aren't just for rolling! Picture a game of Magic: The Gathering. You've summoned a creature, and as the game progresses, it gains three +1/+1 counters. Rather than placing three separate markers on the card, you set a D6 beside the creature's artwork with the 3 facing up. Just like that, you have an easy way to keep track of its growing strength, and perhaps your opponent's growing anxiety!

Players also use ordinary D6s to track token quantities and other changing game values. While standard 16mm dice work well, smaller 12mm dice are especially handy because they take up less space on playing cards. Some players prefer numbered dice for easy reading, while others use traditional dice with pips.

Whether you're playing a collectible card game or keeping track of effects during a tabletop adventure, a few extra D6s can be surprisingly useful.