PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator: Severity, PHQ-2 Screen and Item 9 Check

How it works

PHQ-9 total = sum of items 1–9, each scored 0 (not at all), 1 (several days), 2 (more than half the days) or 3 (nearly every day) over the last 2 weeks; range 0–27 · Severity: 0–4 none-minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe · PHQ-2 = items 1 + 2 (positive ≥ 3) · PHQ-8 = total − item 9 · Major depressive syndrome: ≥ 5 symptoms counted (items 1–8 at ≥ 2, item 9 at ≥ 1) including item 1 or 2; other depressive syndrome: 2–4 such symptoms including item 1 or 2

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 asks how often, over the last two weeks, you have been bothered by each of the nine DSM symptoms of major depression. Each answer scores 0 to 3, and the total (0–27) measures severity. The authors' bands are 0–4 none to minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe and 20–27 severe, with proposed actions that step up from no treatment, through watchful waiting, to a treatment plan, active treatment and prompt specialist referral. In the original validation a score of 10 or more had 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression; a 2019 individual-participant meta-analysis found about 85% for both. The tenth question on daily-life difficulty is recorded but not added to the score. The calculator also runs the PHQ diagnostic algorithm. Items 1 to 8 count as a symptom when answered "more than half the days" or "nearly every day", and item 9 counts at any frequency. Five or more symptoms including low interest (item 1) or low mood (item 2) suggests a major depressive syndrome; two to four suggests another depressive syndrome. It shows the PHQ-2 (items 1 and 2, positive at 3 or more), used as a quick first screen, and the PHQ-8 (items 1 to 8), which uses the same cut-offs and is common in research. With a previous score you can track treatment: response is usually a fall of 50% or more and remission a score below 5. Item 9 is always reviewed on its own. Any answer above "not at all" calls for a same-day conversation about safety with a clinician, whatever the total, and a zero on item 9 does not rule out risk. The PHQ-9 is a screening and monitoring tool; only a clinician can make a diagnosis.

Worked example

With the default answers: "several days" (1 point) for items 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, "more than half the days" (2) for item 4 (tiredness) and "not at all" (0) for items 8 and 9. Total = 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 = 8 out of 27, in the 5–9 band: mild, with the proposed action of watchful waiting and repeating the PHQ-9 at follow-up. The PHQ-2 is 1 + 1 = 2 out of 6, so the quick screen is negative. Only item 4 is at "more than half the days", so 1 of 9 symptoms counts and the depressive syndrome criteria are not met. Item 9 is not endorsed and the PHQ-8 is also 8 out of 24. If a previous score was 16, the change is −8 points (−50%), which meets the 50% response definition but not remission (8 is not below 5).

Sources: PHQ-9 calculator: scoring, severity bands and suicide risk assessment on a positive item 9 (MDCalc) · PHQ-9 guide: scoring, diagnostic algorithm (item 9 counts at any frequency), proposed actions, accuracy at 10 or more, response and remission (CASRAI) · PHQ-9 instructions: scoring, severity bands and major/other depressive disorder criteria (Wisconsin DHS) · PHQ-9 instructions for providers (MHS Wisconsin) · 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call, text or chat 988

Frequently asked questions