Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living Calculator
Score the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living — bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, feeding — 0 to 6, with status and Katz grade A to G.
How it works
Katz ADL = number of the six functions (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, feeding) done independently; 6 = full function, 4 = moderate impairment, 2 or less = severe functional impairment. Original grades: A independent in all · B all but one · C all but bathing + one · D all but bathing, dressing + one · E … + toileting · F … + transferring · G dependent in all six.
The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Katz et al., 1963) is the classic measure of basic self-care in older adults. Each function is rated independent or dependent, where independence means no supervision, direction or personal help. The modern 0–6 summary (Hartford Institute) reads 6 as full function, 4 as moderate impairment and 2 or less as severe impairment; the original letter grades A–G follow the order in which functions are usually lost (bathing first, feeding last). It is best used to track change and plan care, not as a one-off label.
Worked example
A man needs help dressing (0) but bathes, uses the toilet, transfers, is continent and feeds himself on his own (1 each): Katz ADL = 5 / 6, moderate impairment, Katz grade B (independent in all but one function).
Sources: Katz S et al. Studies of illness in the aged. The index of ADL. JAMA 1963 · Shelkey M, Wallace M. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living — Try This: Hartford Institute, Issue 2
Frequently asked questions
What does a Katz score of 6 mean?
Six out of six means the person bathes, dresses, uses the toilet, transfers, is continent and feeds themselves without help — full function for basic self-care. Four means moderate impairment and two or less severe impairment.
What are the Katz grades A to G?
They are the original 1963 classification: A is independent in all six functions, G dependent in all six. B to F describe the usual order of loss — bathing, then dressing, toileting, transferring, continence and feeding. Patterns that do not fit are called Other.
Katz Index or Barthel Index — which should I use?
Katz is quicker and suits community and geriatric screening. The Barthel Index (0–100) adds mobility, stairs and finer steps of dependence and is preferred in rehabilitation and stroke units.
Does using a walking frame count as dependent?
No. Mechanical aids such as a frame, grab rail or raised toilet seat are allowed for independence. Dependence means needing supervision, direction or hands-on help from another person.
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Clinical decision tool for education and for use by trained clinicians alongside clinical judgement — not a diagnosis and not a substitute for medical assessment. Scores validated in specific populations may not apply to every patient.