Dice Terminology Glossary: Faces, Edges, Rolls, and More

This glossary gives DICEWIKI a consistent vocabulary for describing dice, products, games, and probability. The terms below are written for readers and editors: each definition is intentionally practical, and rules-specific meanings remain attributed to the game or source that uses them.

Die and dice

Die: one physical randomizing object. Dice: the usual plural of die, and also a common general term for the category. DICEWIKI uses “die” for one object and “dice” for two or more objects or the broader subject.

Physical parts

Face

One surface of a die. A face may contain a numeral, pip, symbol, color, or another marking.

Side

An informal way to describe the number of faces, as in “six-sided die.” A technical record should prefer the more precise face count when possible.

Edge

The line where two faces meet. The edge profile may be sharp, rounded, beveled, or otherwise modified.

Vertex

A corner where edges meet. The number and arrangement of vertices help describe a die’s geometry.

Geometry

The shape and spatial structure of the object, including its face arrangement and edge treatment.

Rolling and notation

Roll

The act of throwing, tossing, or otherwise moving a die until the result is determined by the face or rule that applies.

d notation

A common tabletop convention in which d is followed by the number of faces: d6 means one six-sided die, while 3d8 means three eight-sided dice. The relevant game’s rules remain the final authority.

Modifier

A number added to or subtracted from a roll or total, such as the +5 in 3d8 + 5.

Percentile dice

Usually a pair of d10s used to produce a result from 1 to 100 by assigning tens and ones positions. Some sets mark the tens die with 00, 10, 20, and so on.

Dice pool

A group of dice rolled together, usually because a rule asks for a number of dice based on a character, situation, or resource.

Probability and rules

Fair-die model

A mathematical model that treats the listed outcomes as equally likely. It is an assumption for a calculation, not proof that a physical die has no bias.

Sample space

The complete set of outcomes being considered. For two ordinary d6s, the ordered sample space has 36 combinations.

Outcome

The result produced by a roll or the event selected by a game rule. A physical face and a rules outcome are related but are not always identical.

Advantage and disadvantage

Rules terms whose precise meaning depends on the game. In the cited D&D rules, they involve rolling two d20s and using the higher or lower result. Do not generalize a game-specific rule to all systems.

Product and catalogue terms

Dice set

A group of dice sold or used together. The set’s contents should be listed rather than assumed from the word “set.”

Polyhedral dice

Dice whose faces form a polyhedral shape. In everyday tabletop use, the term often refers to the familiar d4 through d20 group.

Sharp-edge dice

Dice with comparatively pronounced edges. The term describes geometry and finish, not a guaranteed probability profile.

Rounded-edge dice

Dice whose edges are rounded or softened. The amount of rounding should be treated as a product or visual description unless a technical specification is supplied.

Inclusion

A visible or embedded element such as glitter, foil, pigment, or another object inside a die. It is recorded separately from the base material.

Source-backed record

A DICEWIKI record whose important factual claims are linked to a rulebook, first-party page, recognized reference, or documented inspection.

Editorial terms

Review status describes where a record is in the editorial workflow, such as draft, in review, or published. Source note identifies the evidence used for a claim. Unresolved means DICEWIKI has not found enough evidence to state a claim as fact. These labels help readers distinguish a documented fact from a community suggestion.

Keep the vocabulary connected

Use this glossary with what is a die, dice notation, standard dice types, and dice probability basics. For product records, connect terms to the relevant brand and product pages rather than repeating an entire description.

Sources and editorial notes

1. Merriam-Webster: die, for the singular noun and plural usage.
2. Cambridge Dictionary: die and dice, for general English usage.
3. D&D Beyond Basic Rules: Playing the Game, for the attributed d notation, percentile, and D20 examples.
4. DICEWIKI editorial taxonomy, for the distinction between physical properties, rules context, product identity, and evidence status.