{"id":66859,"date":"2026-10-13T09:53:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T06:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/?p=66859"},"modified":"2026-10-13T09:53:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T06:53:47","slug":"wells-score-for-pulmonary-embolism-calculator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/wells-score-for-pulmonary-embolism-calculator\/","title":{"rendered":"Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism Calculator"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"not-prose calculator-box\" aria-labelledby=\"calculator-title\"><div class=\"flex items-baseline sm:items-center justify-between gap-2 sm:gap-3\"><div class=\"flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center gap-2\"><span class=\"icon icon-calculator text-primary-700! text-base! dark:text-primary-300!\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2 id=\"calculator-title\" class=\"text-lg font-display font-bold\">Estimate the Pretest Probability of Pulmonary Embolism<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"calcdash-favorite group\">\n  <button type=\"button\" class=\"favorite\" id=\"favorite\" data-favorite-id=\"66859\" data-favorite-title=\"Wells Score for PE\" data-favorite-url=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/wells-score-for-pulmonary-embolism-calculator\/\" data-favorite-excerpt=\"Estimate the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism with the Wells PE score. Check the clinical findings, enter the heart rate, and get the score with both the three-tier and two-tier interpretations.\" aria-label=\"Add to Favorites\" data-favorite-icon=\"icon icon-flask\">\n    <span class=\"icon icon-shape-star-empty\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n  <\/button>\n  <div class=\"calcdash-favorite__tip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n   <span class=\"favorite-tooltip\" id=\"favorite-tooltip\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>\n  <span class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" id=\"favorite-status\"><\/span>\n<\/div><\/div><form action=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/wells-score-for-pulmonary-embolism-calculator\/\" method=\"POST\" class=\"calculator\" id=\"calculator-66859\" data-post=\"66859\"><fieldset class=\"fieldset-input is-1\"><legend class=\"sr-only\">Input Fields<\/legend><div class=\"is-single field\" id=\"input-1\"><span class=\"font-semibold\">Clinical findings and risk factors<\/span><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-2\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-2\" value=\"3\" checked=\"checked\"\/><label for=\"field-2\">Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT<\/label><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-3\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-3\" value=\"3\"\/><label for=\"field-3\">Pulmonary embolism is the most likely diagnosis<\/label><\/div><div class=\"field has-term\" id=\"input-4\"><label for=\"field-4\">Heart rate (HR)<\/label><div class=\"term\">+1.5<\/div>  <div class=\"absolute bottom-0 left-16 top-8 w-2 h-0.5 bg-blue-500\"><\/div><input type=\"text\" name=\"heart_rate_hr\" id=\"field-4\" aria-describedby=\"calc-unit-4 calc-info-4\" data-number inputmode=\"decimal\" autocomplete=\"off\" spellcheck=\"false\" placeholder=\"e.g. 110\" min=\"20\" max=\"300\" value=\"110\"\/><div class=\"unit\" id=\"calc-unit-4\">bpm<\/div><small id=\"calc-info-4\">1.5 points are added when the heart rate exceeds 100 bpm<\/small><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-5\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-5\" value=\"1.5\"\/><label for=\"field-5\">Immobilization for at least 3 days or surgery within 4 weeks<\/label><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-6\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-6\" value=\"1.5\"\/><label for=\"field-6\">Previous objectively diagnosed DVT or pulmonary embolism<\/label><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-7\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-7\" value=\"1\"\/><label for=\"field-7\">Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)<\/label><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox\" id=\"input-8\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"field-8\" value=\"1\"\/><label for=\"field-8\">Malignancy treated within 6 months or currently palliative<\/label><\/div><\/fieldset><div class=\"buttons\"><button type=\"submit\" data-text=\"Re-Calculate\" id=\"calculate-button\" data-post=\"66859\">Calculate<\/button><button type=\"reset\">Reset<\/button><\/div><div class=\"field is-checkbox hidden!\" id=\"field-auto-calc\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"auto-calc\"><label for=\"auto-calc\">Calculate automatically<\/label><small>If enabled, the result will update automatically when you change any value.<\/small><\/div><div class=\"fieldset-result is-hidden\" aria-labelledby=\"result-title\" aria-live=\"polite\" role=\"region\"> <h3 class=\"result-title bg-gradient-to-r from-primary-50 to-gray-50 dark:from-primary-900 dark:to-gray-800\" id=\"result-title\"><span class=\"icon icon-s-pulse\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span> Your Wells PE Result<\/h3><div class=\"result-box\"><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-1\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Wells PE score<\/span><span class=\"result-term\">Score<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-1\" data-unit=\"points\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-2\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Probability category (three-tier model)<\/span><span class=\"result-term\">Category<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-2\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result\" id=\"output-3\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>Two-tier (simplified) classification<\/span><span class=\"result-term\"> dichotomized<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-3\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"field-result is-column\" id=\"output-4\"><span class=\"field-title\"><span>What this means<\/span><\/span><span class=\"field-value\" id=\"result-4\"><\/span><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-result\" data-tooltip=\"Copy Result\" aria-label=\"Copy Result\"><span class=\"copy-icon icon icon-document-copy\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><\/div><div class=\"result-actions\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"copy-link\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12.232 4.232a2.5 2.5 0 0 1 3.536 3.536l-1.225 1.224a.75.75 0 0 0 1.061 1.06l1.224-1.224a4 4 0 0 0-5.656-5.656l-3 3a4 4 0 0 0 .225 5.865.75.75 0 0 0 .977-1.138 2.5 2.5 0 0 1-.142-3.667l3-3Z\"\/><path d=\"M11.603 7.963a.75.75 0 0 0-.977 1.138 2.5 2.5 0 0 1 .142 3.667l-3 3a2.5 2.5 0 0 1-3.536-3.536l1.225-1.224a.75.75 0 0 0-1.061-1.06l-1.224 1.224a4 4 0 1 0 5.656 5.656l3-3a4 4 0 0 0-.225-5.865Z\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"copy-link__text\">Copy link to this calculation<\/span><\/button><span class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" id=\"copy-link-status\"><\/span><\/div><\/div><a href=\"#respond\" class=\"hidden transition-opacity duration-300 opacity-0 w-50 text-sm justify-center items-center gap-2 px-4 py-2 rounded bg-gray-200 text-gray-700 hover:bg-gray-300\" id=\"leave-comment\"><span class=\"icon icon-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>Leave a Comment<\/a><\/form><\/section><section id=\"calc-reactions\" class=\"not-prose hidden my-12 bg-gradient-to-r from-primary-50 to-gray-50 border border-indigo-100 rounded-xl px-6 py-4 shadow-sm\" data-post=\"66859\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-labelledby=\"calc-reactions-title\"><p id=\"calc-reactions-title\" class=\"text-sm text-gray-500 text-center mb-2\">How did this result make you feel?<\/p><div role=\"group\" aria-labelledby=\"calc-reactions-title\" class=\"grid grid-cols-3 sm:flex sm:flex-row sm:justify-around gap-4 sm:items-center sm:flex-wrap\"><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"like\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"like\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude00 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Like <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"helpful\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"helpful\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\udca1 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Helpful <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"confused\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"confused\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude15 <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Confused <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"disappointed\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"disappointed\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude1e <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Disappointed <\/span><\/button><button type=\"button\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"reaction-btn flex flex-col items-center gap-1 text-sm text-gray-700 hover:text-primary-600 cursor-pointer transition-transform hover:scale-105\" data-reaction=\"inaccurate\"><span class=\"reaction-count\" data-reaction-count=\"inaccurate\">0<\/span><span class=\"reaction text-3xl\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u274c <\/span><span class=\"reaction-description font-medium\">Inaccurate <\/span><\/button><\/div><div id=\"reaction-message\" class=\"hidden mt-8 rounded-md border border-primary-100 bg-white\/50 backdrop-blur-sm px-4 py-2 text-sm text-center shadow-sm\"><\/div><\/section><div class=\"calcdash-ad not-prose calcdash-ad--calc_result calcdash-ad--in-article\"><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1721569815777345\" data-ad-slot=\"6317458308\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/script><\/div>\n<style id=\"wpcoderpro-inline-1\">.formula-box {\r\n\tborder-bottom: none !important;\r\n}<\/style><section class=\"formula-box\" aria-labelledby=\"formula-title\">\r\n\t<div id=\"formula-title\" class=\"not-prose font-display mb-4\"><span class=\"icon icon-formula\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2>Wells Score for PE Formula<\/h2><\/div>\r\n\t<figure class=\"not-prose formula\">\r\n\t\t<figcaption class=\"formula-title\">Formula<\/figcaption>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"text-base text-gray-800\" id=\"formula\">\n\\[ \\text{Wells PE score} = 3(a_{\\text{DVT}}) + 3(a_{\\text{PE likely}}) + 1.5(a_{\\text{HR}&gt;100}) + 1.5(a_{\\text{immob}}) + 1.5(a_{\\text{prev VTE}}) + 1(a_{\\text{hemo}}) + 1(a_{\\text{cancer}}) \\]<\/div>\r\n\t<\/figure>\r\n\t<\/p>\n<p><strong>Where:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{DVT}}\\) \u2014 1 if there are clinical signs and symptoms of DVT, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{PE likely}}\\) \u2014 1 if PE is the most likely diagnosis, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{HR}&gt;100}\\) \u2014 1 if the heart rate exceeds 100 bpm, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{immob}}\\) \u2014 1 if the patient was immobilized for at least 3 days or had surgery within 4 weeks, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{prev VTE}}\\) \u2014 1 if there is a previous objectively diagnosed DVT or PE, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{hemo}}\\) \u2014 1 if there is hemoptysis, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<li>\\(a_{\\text{cancer}}\\) \u2014 1 if there is malignancy treated within 6 months or currently palliative, otherwise 0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The score is the sum of weighted clinical criteria and ranges from 0 to 12.5 points. It estimates the probability that a patient's symptoms are caused by pulmonary embolism before any laboratory or imaging test is performed.<\/p>\n<p>The total is classified either by the three-tier model (low &lt; 2, moderate 2\u20136, high &gt; 6 points) or by the two-tier model used in the Christopher study (PE unlikely \u2264 4, PE likely &gt; 4 points).<\/p>\n<p>\r\n<\/section>\n<style id=\"wpcoderpro-inline-459\">.calculation-box {\r\n\tborder-bottom: none !important;\r\n}<\/style><section id=\"calculation\" class=\"calculation-box\" aria-labelledby=\"calculation-title\">\r\n\t<div id=\"calculation-title\" class=\"not-prose font-display\"><span class=\"icon icon-unordered-list\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><h2>Wells Score for PE \u2013 Calculation Example<\/h2><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong> a patient presents with a swollen, tender calf suggestive of DVT, a heart rate of 110 bpm, no hemoptysis, no recent surgery or immobilization, no previous DVT or PE, no active malignancy, and an alternative diagnosis is considered more likely than PE.<\/p>\n<p>\\[ \\text{Score} = 3 + 1.5 = 4.5 \\text{ points} \\]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Result:<\/strong> 4.5 points \u2014 moderate probability (three-tier model); PE likely (two-tier model, since the score is above 4). This corresponds to a PE prevalence of roughly 15\u201325%; the patient should typically proceed to CT pulmonary angiography rather than relying on D-dimer alone.<\/p>\n<p>\n\r\n<\/section>\n<h2>How to Use the Wells PE Calculator<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Check the box <strong>Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT<\/strong> if the symptomatic leg shows minimum swelling and tenderness along the deep venous system (+3 points).<\/li>\n<li>Check <strong>Pulmonary embolism is the most likely diagnosis<\/strong> if, in your clinical judgement, PE explains the presentation better than alternatives such as pneumonia, pneumothorax, musculoskeletal pain, or heart failure (+3 points).<\/li>\n<li>Enter the patient's <strong>Heart rate (HR)<\/strong> in bpm \u2014 1.5 points are added automatically when it exceeds 100 bpm.<\/li>\n<li>Check <strong>Immobilization for at least 3 days or surgery within 4 weeks<\/strong> if applicable (+1.5 points).<\/li>\n<li>Check <strong>Previous objectively diagnosed DVT or pulmonary embolism<\/strong> if the patient has a confirmed history (+1.5 points).<\/li>\n<li>Check <strong>Hemoptysis<\/strong> and <strong>Malignancy treated within 6 months or currently palliative<\/strong> if applicable (+1 point each).<\/li>\n<li>Read the total <strong>Wells PE score<\/strong>, the probability category in the three-tier model, the two-tier classification, and the interpretation of what the result means for further testing.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>What Is the Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism?<\/h2>\n<p>The Wells score is the most widely used clinical prediction rule for estimating the <em>pretest probability<\/em> of pulmonary embolism \u2014 that is, how likely PE is before you order D-dimer or imaging. It was originally developed by Wells and colleagues (Lancet, 1997) and has since been validated in large prospective studies, including the Christopher study (JAMA, 2006) that established the simplified two-tier version now recommended in many guidelines.<\/p>\n<p>The score matters because pulmonary embolism can be difficult to suspect on symptoms alone: shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia are common to many conditions. By combining the strongest clinical predictors \u2014 signs of DVT, subjective judgement that PE is the most likely diagnosis, tachycardia above 100 bpm, immobilization or recent surgery, previous venous thromboembolism, hemoptysis, and active malignancy \u2014 the Wells score stratifies patients into groups with very different PE prevalences. In validation studies, PE was found in roughly 1\u20134% of low-risk patients, 15\u201325% of moderate-risk patients, and 40\u201365% of high-risk patients.<\/p>\n<p>The purpose of the score is not to diagnose PE, but to guide the diagnostic pathway. A low or \"PE unlikely\" result means a D-dimer test is an appropriate first step: if the D-dimer is normal, PE can be excluded without exposing the patient to contrast CT radiation. A high or \"PE likely\" result usually warrants going straight to CT pulmonary angiography, because even a normal D-dimer may not lower the probability enough to rule out the disease safely in this group.<\/p>\n<p>The two classification models can give different answers for the same patient \u2014 a score of 4.5 is \"moderate\" in the three-tier model but \"PE likely\" in the two-tier model. Both are shown so you can follow whichever pathway your local protocol uses. Note that some guidelines adjust D-dimer thresholds by age or use the simplified Wells criteria where every item scores 1 point and HR &gt; 100 counts twice; check which variant your institution applies.<\/p>\n<h2>Assumptions and Limitations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The item \"PE is the most likely diagnosis\" is a subjective judgement, which is why inter-observer agreement for the Wells score is only moderate. Two clinicians can score the same patient differently.<\/li>\n<li>The score estimates probability, not certainty. PE still occurs in low-scoring patients, and a high score does not confirm the diagnosis \u2014 imaging is always required to establish it.<\/li>\n<li>The original score performs best in the population it was derived from (mostly emergency department and inpatients with suspected PE). It has not been as thoroughly validated in pregnant patients, children, or patients already on anticoagulation.<\/li>\n<li>Conditions not captured by the score \u2014 recent long-distance travel, estrogen therapy, thrombophilia, or strong family history \u2014 may raise the probability beyond what the number suggests.<\/li>\n<li>The calculator uses the traditional point weights (+3, +1.5, +1). If your protocol uses the dichotomized variant, mentally convert: any criterion present counts as 1 point, with HR &gt; 100 bpm counted twice.<\/li>\n<li>This tool is for educational and clinical decision-support use; it does not replace clinical judgement, institutional protocols, or the assessment of a qualified physician.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Related Calculators<\/h2>\n<p>For suspected deep vein thrombosis in the leg rather than PE, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/wells-score-for-dvt-calculator\/\">Wells Score for DVT calculator<\/a>. Other clinical decision rules you may find useful include the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/heart-score-calculator\/\">HEART Score<\/a> for chest pain, the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/curb-65-score-calculator\/\">CURB-65 Score<\/a> for pneumonia severity, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/medical\/qsofa-score-calculator\/\">qSOFA Score<\/a> for suspected sepsis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estimate the pretest probability of pulmonary embolism with the Wells PE score. Check the clinical findings, enter the heart rate, and get the score with both the three-tier and two-tier interpretations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3168,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[50],"class_list":["post-66859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medical","tag-diagnostics"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66859","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66859"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67070,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66859\/revisions\/67070"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpcalc.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}