# How do my modifiers change as I level up?

I'm new to D&D. I am playing a Level 4 Half-Elf Bard. I don't understand how modifiers work or how they change as I level up, or how they affect other character details.

I've picked new spells and I've chosen a new cantrip. At Level 4, I could increase an ability score. I increased my Charisma from 17 to 18, so now I have a +4 modifier. I can see that my Bard spells rely on Charisma: how do my Spell Save DC (currently 13) and Spell Attack Bonus (currently +5) change as a result of the increase in Charisma?

Since I am a new player, I would appreciate detailed answers that spend time on the basics.

• Can I ask what version of the rules you're using? Players Handbook (hardcover), Starter Set rules (from the boxed set), Player's Basic Rules (free .pdf download), System Reference Document (also free .pdf download)? If you can put that in, I'll edit page-references into revoltorb's correct answer. "Teach you to fish," as it were. – nitsua60 Mar 31 '17 at 2:03