PHQ-9 Depression Screening Score Calculator

Use this tool to calculate your PHQ-9 depression score. Answer the questions to get your score and understand what it means. It is free, private, and easy to use.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4. Feeling tired or having little energy
5. Poor appetite or overeating
6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
All questions (1-9) must be completed to calculate the score.

About the PHQ-9 Test

What is the PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used tool for checking depression. Doctors use it to measure how severe depression might be.

Who is it for?

This test is for adults who feel down, have lost interest in things, or feel tired. It helps you understand your symptoms better.

Overview of Questions

The test asks about how you have felt over the last 2 weeks, including:

  • Interest in activities
  • Mood (feeling down/hopeless)
  • Sleep habits
  • Energy levels
  • Appetite changes
  • How you see yourself
  • Concentration
  • Moving too slow or too fast
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself
Comparison chart showing differences between PHQ-9 screening and a formal medical diagnosis
Understanding the difference between a screening result and a clinical diagnosis.

How It Works

Flowchart illustrating how the PHQ-9 calculator processes answers to generate a score
Step-by-step process of calculating your depression screening score.

How the Score is Calculated

Each of the 9 questions is scored from 0 to 3:

  • 0: Not at all
  • 1: Several days
  • 2: More than half the days
  • 3: Nearly every day

The math is simple: We add up the numbers from your answers to get one total score.

How to Use This PHQ-9 Calculator

  1. Reflect: Think about how you have felt in the last 2 weeks.
  2. Answer: Choose the option that fits you best for each question.
  3. Calculate: Click "Calculate Score" to see your result.
  4. Review: Read what your score means.
  5. Save: Use the Copy, Print, or Export buttons to save your result.

Understanding Your Result

Note: This is not a medical diagnosis.

PHQ-9 Scoring Scale ranges from Minimal (0-4) to Severe (20-27) depression
Visual breakdown of PHQ-9 score ranges and severity levels.
Score Severity Recommended Action
0–4 Minimal or None Monitor. If symptoms get worse, check again.
5–9 Mild Wait and see; take the test again later.
10–14 Moderate Consider a treatment plan.
15–19 Moderately Severe Treatment is often recommended.
20–27 Severe Professional help is advised immediately.

When to Talk to a Doctor

If your score is 10 or higher, or if you answered "Several days" or more to question #9 (thoughts of self-harm), please talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a PHQ test?

It is a simple health questionnaire used to screen for mental health conditions. PHQ-9 specifically tests for depression.

What is a normal PHQ score?

A score of 0–4 is considered "normal" (Minimal or None), indicating no significant depressive symptoms.

What is a PHQ-9 and GAD-7?

The PHQ-9 checks for depression, while the GAD-7 checks for anxiety. Doctors often use them together to get a full picture of mental health.

What are the PHQ-9 scoring instructions?

Review the last 2 weeks. For each of the 9 questions, verify how often you felt that problem (0=Not at all to 3=Nearly every day). Add the numbers to get a total.

How do you calculate the PHQ score?

Sum the values (0-3) of your answers to the 9 questions. The total will be between 0 and 27.

What is a 17 score on the PHQ-9?

A score of 17 falls into the "Moderately Severe" range (15-19). Active treatment with therapy or medication is often recommended.

What is the PHQ-9 score for depression?

A score of 10 or higher is the typical cutoff that suggests clinically significant depression.

How is the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scored?

Both use a 0–3 scale for each question. PHQ-9 sums to 27, and GAD-7 sums to 21.

What is the 3-3-3 rule of anxiety?

It is a grounding technique: Name 3 things you see, 3 sounds you hear, and move 3 parts of your body. It helps when you feel overwhelmed.

Is PHQ-9 used for anxiety?

The PHQ-9 is mainly for depression. However, since depression and anxiety often happen together, it can indicate distress, but the GAD-7 is the specific test for anxiety.

Is PHQ-9 a diagnosis tool?

No. It helps find signs of depression but does not give a medical diagnosis. Only a doctor can do that.

How accurate is PHQ-9?

It is considered very reliable and is used by doctors all over the world.

Can I take PHQ-9 online?

Yes. You can take this test right here on your phone or computer.

How often should PHQ-9 be taken?

Doctors often use it every few weeks to see if symptoms are changing.

What should I do after getting a high score?

Share your result with a doctor or therapist to get the right help.