Depression Screening Calculator
Score the full PHQ-9 depression questionnaire: nine symptoms over the last 2 weeks, each rated 0–3, for a total of 0–27 with the official severity cut-offs (5, 10, 15, 20). A screening aid to discuss with a clinician, not a diagnosis.
Last updated: September 2026
PHQ-9 Total Score
0 points (0-27)
Formula below · 4 sources (nimh.nih.gov, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, apa.org, Wikipedia) · Updated Sep 2026
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About this calculator
This calculator scores the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001), the most widely used depression screener in primary care. It asks how often, over the last 2 weeks, you have been bothered by each of the nine DSM symptoms of major depression: (1) little interest or pleasure in doing things; (2) feeling down, depressed, or hopeless; (3) trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much; (4) feeling tired or having little energy; (5) poor appetite or overeating; (6) feeling bad about yourself, or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down; (7) trouble concentrating on things; (8) moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed, or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual; (9) thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way. Each answer scores 0 (not at all), 1 (several days), 2 (more than half the days) or 3 (nearly every day), and the total is the simple sum, 0–27. Official severity bands: 0–4 none to minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe. In the validation study a total of 10 or more had 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression, and 10 is the usual threshold for a clinical assessment. Any answer other than "Not at all" on item 9 needs prompt attention whatever the total: talk to a clinician soon, and if you might act on these thoughts, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or call 911 now. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool; a diagnosis needs a clinical interview.
How to use
Answer each of the nine questions for the last 2 weeks. Example: interest = 2, feeling down = 2, sleep = 1, tired = 3, appetite = 1, feeling bad about yourself = 1, concentration = 1, moving slowly or restless = 0, thoughts of self-harm = 0. Total = 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 = 11, in the moderate band (10–14). Because it is 10 or more, book an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional to discuss it. All "Not at all" gives 0; all "Nearly every day" gives the maximum of 27. Repeating the PHQ-9 every 2–4 weeks tracks change; a drop of 5 points or more is generally treated as a clinically meaningful improvement. If you answered anything other than "Not at all" to the last question, please talk to someone now — call or text 988 in the US.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a PHQ-based depression screening calculator compared to a clinical diagnosis?
The full PHQ-9 has a sensitivity of approximately 88% and specificity of 88% for major depression when used by clinicians alongside a patient interview, making it one of the most validated brief screening tools available. This calculator asks all nine items and applies the official cut-offs, but a self-completed questionnaire is still best understood as a structured way to reflect on your symptoms and decide whether to seek professional help, rather than as a standalone diagnosis. A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist uses the PHQ-9 alongside clinical history, symptom duration, and functional impairment to make a formal diagnosis.
What should I do if my depression screening score falls in the moderate or severe range?
A moderate or high score is a strong signal to consult a mental health professional promptly — a primary care physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Many people avoid seeking help due to stigma or uncertainty, but effective treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination exist and are well-supported by evidence. In a crisis or if you are having thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line immediately, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US (call or text 988). This calculator is a starting point for conversation, not a ceiling for action.
What is the difference between feeling sad and scoring high on a depression screening?
Sadness is a normal, transient emotional response to difficult events, whereas clinical depression involves persistent symptoms lasting at least two weeks that impair daily functioning across multiple domains. The PHQ methodology captures this distinction by asking about frequency — 'more than half the days' or 'nearly every day' — rather than just presence. A high score reflects pervasive, recurring symptoms like anhedonia (loss of pleasure), cognitive slowing, and fatigue, which go beyond ordinary sadness. When symptoms cluster across multiple domains and persist, that pattern is what clinicians look for in making a depression diagnosis.