PHQ-9 Calculator
The PHQ-9 is the standard 9-question screening scale doctors use to gauge depression symptom severity. Answer for the last two weeks, get your score instantly, and see what the range usually means — and what a sensible next step looks like.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Answer honestly — there are no right or wrong answers.
Your answers never leave this browser — scoring happens on your device.
What the PHQ-9 measures
Each of the 9 questions maps to one core symptom of depression — low mood, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, low energy, poor concentration, self-criticism, restlessness or slowing down, and thoughts of self-harm. Each answer scores 0–3 by frequency, giving a total of 0–27. The standard bands are 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. Clinicians use the score to decide between watchful waiting, self-help, therapy, and further assessment — and to track change over time.
Curious about a specific number? Our guide to what PHQ-9 scores mean walks through every range in detail.
If things feel unbearable, help is available right now
You don't have to be in a full-blown crisis to use these. They are free, confidential, and staffed by people who take calls like yours every day.
Outside the US: findahelpline.org lists crisis lines in 130+ countries. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
This is a self-assessment screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional who talks with you in person can diagnose a mental health condition. Scores are a snapshot of the last two weeks — they are most useful compared over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool. At the standard cut-off of 10 it has about 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression, which means it both misses some cases and flags some people who would not meet diagnostic criteria. Only a qualified professional can diagnose depression, after talking with you and ruling out physical causes.
What should I do if my PHQ-9 score is high?
Scores of 10 or above are the range where guidelines suggest an in-person assessment with a primary care doctor or mental health professional. If question 9 (thoughts of self-harm) is anything above zero, please reach out to a crisis line today — in the US, call or text 988 — regardless of your total.
How often should I retake the PHQ-9?
Every 2–4 weeks is the usual rhythm in treatment, because the scale asks about the last two weeks. Retaking more often mostly measures the same days twice. Your results are saved in this browser on the My Results page so you can see the trend.
Are my answers private?
Yes. The questionnaire runs entirely in your browser, your score is calculated on your device, and history is stored only in your browser's local storage. Nothing is uploaded to a server, and you can delete everything at any time from My Results.
Keep going
Your results from every tool are saved only in this browser — see them together on My Results.