PHQ-9 Score Calculator
Score the PHQ-9 depression questionnaire in seconds: answer the nine questions about how you felt over the last 2 weeks and get your total score (0–27) with the standard severity band and interpretation.
Score Your PHQ-9 Depression Questionnaire
PHQ-9 Score
Where:
- \(q_i\) — score for item \(i\) (\(i = 1, \dots, 9\)): 0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half the days, 3 = Nearly every day
The total PHQ-9 score is simply the sum of the nine item scores, so it ranges from 0 to 27 points. The total is then mapped to one of five standard severity bands.
PHQ-9 Score – Calculation Example
Example: over the last two weeks a person reports little interest or pleasure and feeling down, tired, and unable to concentrate on more than half the days; sleep, appetite, self-worth and restlessness are bothered on several days; no thoughts of self-harm.
\[ q = (2,\ 2,\ 1,\ 2,\ 1,\ 1,\ 2,\ 1,\ 0) \]
\[ \text{PHQ-9} = 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 0 = 12 \]
Result: 12 points out of 27 — moderate depressive symptoms. A score in the 10–14 range generally calls for further evaluation by a clinician and often some form of treatment such as counselling.
How to use the calculator
- Read the instruction line: “Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?”
- For each of the nine questions, choose the frequency that best matches your experience over those two weeks: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2) or Nearly every day (3).
- Pay special attention to question 9 about thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself — any answer other than “Not at all” should be discussed with a clinician regardless of your total score.
- Once all nine questions are answered, the calculator displays your total PHQ-9 score, the depression severity band and a short interpretation of what the score means.
What the PHQ-9 is and why it matters
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a nine-item self-report questionnaire that screens for depressive symptoms. It is one of the most widely used depression screening tools in primary care because it is quick to complete, easy to score, and directly mirrors the nine diagnostic criteria for major depression described in the DSM. Each item asks how often a particular symptom has bothered you over the previous two weeks, which matches the time window clinicians use when evaluating depression.
The total score places you in one of five severity bands, each associated with a typical course of action:
| Score | Severity | Usual recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal (none) | No specific treatment usually needed |
| 5–9 | Mild | Watchful waiting; repeat the test in about two weeks |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Further evaluation; counselling or psychotherapy often considered |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment with psychotherapy and/or medication |
| 20–27 | Severe | Active treatment, usually combining psychotherapy and medication |
A useful feature of the PHQ-9 is that it can be repeated over time to track how symptoms change — before and after starting treatment, for example. Falling scores usually indicate improvement, while rising scores suggest the current approach may need to be reviewed. Doctors also use the questionnaire to decide whether a full diagnostic interview is warranted.
Remember that a single item can matter as much as the total: any positive response on question 9 (thoughts of death or self-harm) is clinically significant on its own and should always be brought to a healthcare professional's attention, even when the overall score is low.
Limitations and practical tips
- The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It indicates how likely significant depressive symptoms are, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression after a full assessment.
- Scores can be influenced by other factors. Grief, chronic illness, thyroid problems, certain medications, substance use or recent stressful life events can all raise the score without depression being present.
- Answer honestly and for the correct time window. The questions refer specifically to the last two weeks; thinking of a longer or shorter period distorts the result.
- Use the same tool when tracking change. For meaningful comparison over time, repeat the PHQ-9 under similar circumstances rather than switching between different questionnaires.
- Do not self-adjust treatment based on the score. Decisions about starting, stopping or changing medication or therapy should always be made with a clinician.
If you are concerned about your mental health, the PHQ-9 is a good first step, but it works best alongside professional advice. Screening instruments are used across medicine for similar purposes — for example the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) for substance use and the qSOFA score for sepsis risk — yet none of them replaces a clinical evaluation. If you are in crisis or immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate a PHQ-9 score by hand?
Assign each of the nine answers a number: Not at all = 0, Several days = 1, More than half the days = 2, Nearly every day = 3. Then simply add the nine numbers together: \( \text{PHQ-9} = q_1 + q_2 + \dots + q_9 \). The result is always a whole number between 0 and 27, so no averaging or weighting is involved.
What is a normal or good PHQ-9 score?
A score of 0–4 is considered minimal or none, which is what most people without depression score. Scores of 5–9 indicate mild symptoms, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. Roughly 10 is the conventional cut-off above which clinically significant depression becomes likely, though only a clinician can confirm a diagnosis.
How accurate is the PHQ-9 at detecting depression?
Studies show the PHQ-9 performs well as a screening tool: with a cut-off of 10 it has sensitivity and specificity of roughly 88% each for major depression. However, it can produce false positives (e.g. from grief, thyroid illness or medication effects) and false negatives if symptoms are denied or downplayed. Screening guides decisions; a diagnostic interview confirms them.
Is a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher a diagnosis of depression?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening instrument — a high score means depressive symptoms are likely enough to warrant a professional evaluation, not that depression is confirmed. A diagnosis requires a clinical assessment covering history, duration, functioning and possible medical causes. Many people with elevated scores have other explanations, such as stress or bereavement.
How often should I retake the PHQ-9 when tracking symptoms?
In clinical practice the PHQ-9 is commonly repeated every 2–4 weeks, since the questions refer to the last two weeks and treatment effects take time to appear. Keep the interval consistent and answer for the correct time window. A drop of about 5 points or more is generally considered a meaningful improvement, but any change in treatment should be discussed with your clinician.
How is the PHQ-9 different from the GAD-7 or BDI-II?
The PHQ-9 screens specifically for depression and mirrors the nine DSM criteria for major depression. The GAD-7 screens for anxiety with seven items, so the two are often used together. The BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory) is a longer, 21-item instrument used more in clinical and research settings; scores from different questionnaires are not directly comparable, so stick to one tool when tracking change.
What does a positive answer on question 9 mean even with a low total score?
Question 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself, and any answer above 'Not at all' is clinically significant on its own. Research shows even a score of 1 on this item is associated with increased suicide risk. Always mention it to a healthcare professional promptly, and if you are in crisis or immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line right away.