CAGE Alcohol Screening Calculator
The CAGE questionnaire is a four-item alcohol screen asking about Cutting down, being Annoyed by criticism, feeling Guilty, and needing an Eye-opener; two or more "yes" answers is a positive screen.
Quick answer
The CAGE questionnaire is a four-question alcohol screen: have you felt you should Cut down, have people Annoyed you by criticising your drinking, have you felt Guilty about it, and have you needed an Eye-opener in the morning. Each "yes" scores 1 point; 2 or more is a clinically significant positive screen.
CAGE questions
Lower likelihood of an alcohol problem (0β1) β does not exclude it.
A CAGE of 0. A score of 2 or more is a positive screen that warrants further assessment for an alcohol use disorder. A lower score does not exclude a problem, and CAGE does not make a diagnosis.
Validated formula
1 point for each "yes" (maximum 4): C = Cut down; A = Annoyed by criticism; G = Guilty; E = Eye-opener.
Interpretation
- 0β1β Lower likelihood of an alcohol problem (does not exclude it).
- β₯2β Clinically significant β suggests possible alcohol use disorder; warrants further assessment.
How to use the CAGE Questionnaire calculator
- 1Answer the four questions. Answer yes or no to cutting down, being annoyed by criticism, feeling guilty, and needing an eye-opener drink in the morning.
- 2Read the score. The tool totals the "yes" answers from 0 to 4.
- 3Interpret the result. A score of 2 or more suggests a possible alcohol use disorder and warrants further assessment. A lower score does not exclude a problem.
Medical disclaimer: This is general health information, not medical advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition, and the results are estimates based on public reference formulas. Always consult a qualified doctor about your individual health. If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
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Book a consultationFrequently asked questions
What CAGE score is positive?β
A score of 2 or more is generally considered a positive screen that warrants further assessment for an alcohol use disorder. Even one positive answer can be worth exploring.
Does CAGE diagnose alcohol dependence?β
No. It is a brief screening tool. A positive screen should lead to a fuller assessment by a clinician, who makes any diagnosis.
How does CAGE compare with AUDIT-C?β
Both are short alcohol screens. CAGE focuses on lifetime features of problem drinking, while AUDIT-C focuses on recent consumption (frequency and quantity). They are sometimes used together.
Sources & validation
This calculator reproduces the published CAGE Questionnaire score, validated for screening for problem alcohol use.
- Ewing JA. Detecting alcoholism: the CAGE questionnaire. JAMA 1984;252(14):1905-1907. β verified 2026-06-25
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