Casting spells at a higher level

[Bat]

My DM made a comment tonight that I could cast fireball, a 3rd level spell, as, for example, a 5th level spell. I can see the obvious advantages to this-a higher saving throw. I looked thru the PH, but I couldn't find anything on it. Is this allowed or not?

 

[Slobber Monster]

You need the metamagic feat - Heighten Spell, from the Player's Handbook.

 

[Stalker0]

Now you can use a 5th level spell slot to cast a 3rd level spell without the feat, however it would not get the dc increase and the like...it would still be a 3rd level spell.

 

[Bat]

all right, thank you. I did not even think to look in the feats section, I merely looked at the magic section of the PH.