Detect Magic 5e
Level 1 Divination • Ritual
Detect Magic is a level 1 divination spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 action, range: Self, duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes. Available to Bard, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Ranger, Sorcerer, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 action
Range
Self
Duration
Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Components
V, S
For the duration, you sense the presence of magic within 30 feet of you. If you sense magic in this way, you can use your action to see a faint aura around any visible creature or object in the area that bears magic, and you learn its school of magic, if any.
The spell can penetrate most barriers, but it is blocked by 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
Requires Concentration (taking damage triggers DC 10 / half-damage Con saves).
School Role
Divination: Gathers knowledge, scries distant locales, and foretells events. Ideal for DM information dumps and player scouting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Detect Magic and what school does it belong to?
Detect Magic is a Level 1 spell belonging to the school of Divination in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Detect Magic?
Detect Magic has a casting time of 1 action, range of Self, and duration of Concentration, up to 10 minutes.
Does Detect Magic require concentration or ritual casting?
Yes, Detect Magic requires Concentration. It can also be cast as a Ritual.
Use Detect Magic in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Detect Magic to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.