Magic Circle 5e
Level 3 Abjuration
Magic Circle is a level 3 abjuration spell in D&D 5e. Casting time: 1 minute, range: 10 feet, duration: 1 hour. Available to Cleric, Paladin, Warlock, Wizard.
Casting Time
1 minute
Range
10 feet
Duration
1 hour
Components
V, S, M (holy water or powdered silver and iron worth at least 100 gp, which the spell consumes)
You create a 10-foot radius, 20-foot tall cylinder of magical energy centered on a point on the ground that you can see within range. Glowing runes appear wherever the cylinder intersects with the floor or other surface.
Choose one or more of the following types of creatures: celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, or undead. The circle affects a creature of the chosen type in the following ways:
- The creature can't willingly enter the cylinder by nonmagical means. If the creature tries to use teleportation or interplanar travel to do so, it must first succeed on a Charisma saving throw.
- The creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against targets within the cylinder.
- Targets within the cylinder can't be charmed, frightened, or possessed by the creature.
When you cast this spell, you can elect to cause its magic to operate in the reverse direction, preventing a creature of the specified type from leaving the cylinder and protecting targets outside it.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 4th level or higher, the duration increases by 1 hour for each slot level above 3rd.
Spellcasting & Tactical Insights
Action Economy
Standard Action • Primary turn investment.
Concentration
No Concentration • Safe to stack with persistent effects.
School Role
Abjuration: Protective and warding magic. Excellent for negating hostile spells, boosting AC, and creating barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level spell is Magic Circle and what school does it belong to?
Magic Circle is a Level 3 spell belonging to the school of Abjuration in D&D 5e.
What are the casting time, range, and duration of Magic Circle?
Magic Circle has a casting time of 1 minute, range of 10 feet, and duration of 1 hour.
Does Magic Circle require concentration or ritual casting?
No, Magic Circle does not require Concentration. It cannot be cast as a ritual.
Use Magic Circle in your campaign
Dungeon Manager lets you add Magic Circle to your characters, reference it during sessions, and track spell slots across encounters — all free.