Depression Severity 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 is the PHQ-9 depression score interpreted and what do the ranges mean?
The PHQ-9 total score ranges from 0 to 27 (for the full 9-item version). Scores of 0–4 indicate minimal or no depression, 5–9 mild depression, 10–14 moderate depression, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. These thresholds help clinicians determine whether watchful waiting, counseling, medication, or urgent care is appropriate. This calculator asks all nine items and uses these official cut-offs; it is still a screen, not a diagnosis.
What is the difference between PHQ-9 and other depression screening tools?
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used and validated self-report depression screeners, derived directly from DSM diagnostic criteria. Other tools include the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D, clinician-administered), and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, for new mothers). The PHQ-9 is favored in primary care for its brevity and strong sensitivity and specificity. Each tool has its own scoring system and intended population, so results are not directly interchangeable.
Can an online depression severity calculator replace a doctor's diagnosis?
No — an online screening tool cannot replace a professional clinical diagnosis. These calculators are designed to help you recognize potential symptoms and decide whether to seek professional help. Depression diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation that considers duration, functional impairment, medical history, and ruling out other conditions. If your score suggests moderate or severe symptoms, please contact a licensed mental health provider or your primary care physician promptly. In a crisis, contact a helpline such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.