Clinical reference calculator · GeraClinic

Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism Calculator

The Wells score for pulmonary embolism (PE) estimates the pre-test probability of a PE from seven clinical criteria, to help select between D-dimer testing and CT pulmonary angiography.

Quick answer

The Wells score for pulmonary embolism adds seven weighted criteria to estimate PE probability. On the two-tier rule a score of 4 or less is "PE unlikely" (a negative D-dimer can exclude PE) and over 4 is "PE likely" (CT pulmonary angiography).

Wells PE criteria

Clinical signs and symptoms of DVTLeg swelling and pain on palpation+3PE is the #1 diagnosis, or equally likely+3Heart rate > 100 beats/min+1.5Immobilisation ≥ 3 days, or surgery in the previous 4 weeks+1.5Previous, objectively diagnosed DVT or PE+1.5Haemoptysis+1Malignancy (treatment within 6 months, or palliative)+1

Low probability · PE unlikely

A Wells PE score of 0 is low probability on the three-tier rule. On the two-tier (dichotomised) rule, ≤ 4 is “PE unlikely” (a negative D-dimer can exclude PE) and > 4 is “PE likely” (CT pulmonary angiography). Pathway choice is your clinician's.

How to use the Wells PE calculator

1Tick the criteria. Tick the criteria present: clinical signs of DVT (3), PE the leading diagnosis (3), heart rate over 100 (1.5), recent immobilisation/surgery (1.5), previous DVT/PE (1.5), haemoptysis (1), malignancy (1).
2Read the total. The tool totals the weighted points.
3Choose the pathway with a clinician. 4 or less is "PE unlikely" (D-dimer); over 4 is "PE likely" (CT pulmonary angiography). The three-tier bands (low/moderate/high) are also shown.

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.

Talk to a doctor

Get a professional evaluation from a verified doctor by video, audio, or chat — available across 60+ countries on GeraClinic.

Book a consultation

Frequently asked questions

What Wells PE score means PE is unlikely?⌄

On the dichotomised two-tier rule, a score of 4 or less is "PE unlikely", where a negative D-dimer can exclude PE without imaging.

What is the difference between the two-tier and three-tier Wells PE rule?⌄

The two-tier rule splits at 4 (unlikely vs likely). The three-tier rule uses low (<2), moderate (2–6) and high (>6) probability bands. This tool reports both.

Does a low Wells PE score mean I definitely do not have a PE?⌄

No. It lowers the probability so that a negative D-dimer can rule it out. If D-dimer is positive or suspicion is high, imaging is needed. A clinician decides.

Sources & validation

This calculator reproduces the published Wells PE score, validated for pre-test probability of pulmonary embolism.

Wells PS, Anderson DR, Rodger M, et al. Derivation of a simple clinical model to categorize patients probability of pulmonary embolism (Thromb Haemost 2000;83:416-420) — verified 2026-06-18

Related clinical calculators

Wells DVT CURB-65 qSOFA

Need to discuss a result? Find and book a verified doctor on GeraClinic.