Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Calculator for Low Back Pain
Score the Oswestry Disability Index for low back pain — ten sections from pain intensity to travelling, each 0–5 — as a percentage with the Fairbank disability band, allowing for skipped sections.
How it works
ODI (%) = total points ÷ (5 × number of sections answered) × 100; each section scores 0–5. Bands (Fairbank): 0–20% minimal · 21–40% moderate · 41–60% severe disability · 61–80% crippled · 81–100% bed-bound or exaggerating symptoms.
The Oswestry Disability Index (Fairbank et al., 1980; version 2.1a, 2000) is the most widely used patient-reported measure of disability from low back pain in spine clinics, physiotherapy and surgical outcome studies. The patient ticks the one statement in each of ten sections that best describes them today. If a section is skipped — often sex life — the score is divided by the maximum for the sections answered. A change of about 10 percentage points is generally taken as clinically important. The section statements here are paraphrased; the official questionnaire is licensed by its copyright holders.
Worked example
A patient with moderate pain marks sections 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 2 and 2: total 16 out of 50, so ODI = 16 ÷ 50 × 100 = 32% — moderate disability.
Sources: Fairbank JC, Pynsent PB. The Oswestry Disability Index. Spine 2000 · Oswestry Disability Index — Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Rehabilitation Measures
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal Oswestry score?
0–20% is minimal disability — most people can cope with daily life with advice on lifting, posture and exercise. Higher scores mean progressively more disability from back pain.
What if a section does not apply?
Mark it skipped. The score is then out of 5 times the number of sections answered — for example 45 if one section is left out. With more than two sections missing the score is not considered reliable.
How much change in ODI is meaningful?
A change of about 10 percentage points (some studies use 30% of the starting score) is generally considered the minimum clinically important difference.
Is the ODI for neck pain too?
No — it is for low back pain. The Neck Disability Index is a separate questionnaire modelled on it.
Related calculators
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.