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PHQ-9 Depression Screening Calculator

The PHQ-9 is a nine-item depression questionnaire scored from 0 to 27. Each item is rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) over the last two weeks. Totals of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark the thresholds for mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression.

Quick answer

The PHQ-9 is a nine-item depression questionnaire. Each item is rated 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) over the last two weeks, giving a total of 0 to 27. Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 are the thresholds for mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression. It is a screening and severity tool, not a diagnosis.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by…

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things2. Feeling down, depressed or hopeless3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much4. Feeling tired or having little energy5. Poor appetite or overeating6. Feeling bad about yourself, or that you are a failure7. Trouble concentrating on things such as reading or watching television8. Moving or speaking slowly, or being fidgety or restless9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself

0/ 27

Minimal depression (0–4)

The PHQ-9 total is 0/27: minimal depression (0–4).

The PHQ-9 is a screening and severity measure that supports — but does not replace — a clinical assessment and diagnosis.

How to use the PHQ-9 calculator

1Answer each of the nine items. For each of the nine problems over the last two weeks, choose 0 (not at all), 1 (several days), 2 (more than half the days) or 3 (nearly every day).
2Read the total and band. The tool adds the nine items (0–27) and shows the severity band: minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe or severe.
3Note the self-harm item. Item 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of self-harm; any positive answer is highlighted for a clinician to follow up. The PHQ-9 supports, but does not replace, a clinical assessment.

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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Frequently asked questions

What PHQ-9 score indicates depression?⌄

A total of 10 or more has good sensitivity and specificity for major depression in the validation study, and the bands 5/10/15/20 mark mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression. A diagnosis is made by a clinician, not by the score alone.

What does item 9 mean?⌄

Item 9 asks about thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself. Any answer above "not at all" should prompt a direct safety conversation with a clinician, regardless of the total score.

Can the PHQ-9 track progress?⌄

Yes. Because it is a numeric severity scale, repeating it over time is commonly used to monitor response to treatment. A clinician interprets the change alongside the clinical picture.

Is my data stored?⌄

No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.

Sources & validation

This calculator reproduces the published PHQ-9 score, validated for screening for and grading the severity of depression.

Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure (J Gen Intern Med 2001;16:606-613) — the 0–27 scale and 5/10/15/20 severity bands — verified 2026-06-18

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