Spellcasters such as wizards and clerics, as well as many monsters, have access to spells and can use them to great effect in combat. (93)

 

Casting Time. Each spell has a casting time, which specifies whether the caster must use an action, a reaction, minutes, or even hours to cast the spell. Casting a spell is, therefore, not necessarily an action. Most spells do have a casting time of 1 action, so a spellcaster often uses his or her action in combat to cast such a spell. (93)

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Spell Level. Every spell has a ​level from 0 to 9. (100) 

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Known and Prepared Spells. Before a spellcaster can use a spell, he or she must have the spell firmly fixed in mind, or must have access to the spell in a magic item. (100) 

 

Spell Slots. Regardless of how many spells a caster knows or prepares, he or she can cast only a limited number of spells before resting. (100) See spell slots. 

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Cantrips and Rituals.  Cantrips and rituals do not use up spell slots. (101)

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Target and Range. ​The target of a spell must be within the spell’s range.  (101)

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Area of Effect. Spells such as burning hands and cone of cold cover an area, allowing them to affect multiple creatures at once. A spell’s description specifies its area of effect. (102)

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Components. A spell’s components are the physical requirements you must meet in order to cast it. (101)

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Duration. A spell’s duration is the length of time the spell persists. (102) Some spells require you to maintain concentration in order to keep their magic active. (102)

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