Beck Depression Inventory-II Calculator
About the Inventory
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is a 21-item self-report questionnaire widely used by psychologists and medical professionals. Each item describes a common symptom of depression—such as sadness, pessimism, or loss of appetite—with four statements ranging from “not present” to “severe.” Scores for each item range from 0 to 3 and summing them gives a total from 0 to 63. Higher scores reflect more pronounced depressive symptoms.
How It Helps
The BDI-II is designed for adults and adolescents aged 13 or older. While it does not provide a formal diagnosis, it offers a standardized way to evaluate mood over the past two weeks and guide further discussion with a mental health professional. Typical cutoffs categorize 0–13 as minimal depression, 14–19 mild, 20–28 moderate, and 29–63 severe.
Instructions
Read each statement and select the option that best reflects how you have been feeling recently. After answering all 21 items, click the Calculate button to see your score and the corresponding severity category. Remember that online assessments are not a substitute for professional care.
The total score is the sum of each item response, represented as the discrete MathML expression below. Every question contributes a value between 0 and 3, and the summation spans all 21 prompts:
, where is the response to item . Because the range is capped at 63, even large swings between sessions are easy to track and discuss with a clinician.
Interpreting Your Score
After you tally the points, think of the result as a general guide rather than a firm diagnosis. Everyday stressors, physical health, and other factors can influence your answers. Use the number as a springboard for discussion with a counselor or doctor, not as a final determination of your mental health.
Tracking scores over time can reveal patterns. If your total rises despite efforts to improve your mood, that trend could indicate the need for additional support. A steady decline suggests that therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes may be helping. In all cases, context and professional insight matter just as much as the figure itself.
When to Seek Help
A moderate or high score is a strong signal to reach out to a mental health professional. Even a mild score accompanied by persistent sadness or hopelessness warrants attention, especially if daily tasks feel overwhelming. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact a crisis line or emergency services immediately.
Depression is treatable, and early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Sharing your results with a clinician provides a clear snapshot of your recent feelings and can help guide the conversation toward appropriate care.
History and Development
Psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck created the original inventory in the 1960s while developing cognitive therapy. The BDI-II, released in 1996, revised wording and scoring to align with updated diagnostic criteria. Decades of research have confirmed its reliability across cultures and clinical settings.
Privacy Considerations
Your responses stay in your browser and are never sent to a server. After noting your score, you can refresh the page to clear the form. Protecting personal health information is an important aspect of caring for mental well-being.
Interpreting Categories
The BDI-II total can be grouped into ranges that suggest different severities of depressive symptoms. Use the table below as a quick reference, but remember that context matters.
| Score Range | Severity | Suggested Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 13 | Minimal | Monitor mood and repeat screening periodically. |
| 14 – 19 | Mild | Discuss coping strategies with a trusted professional. |
| 20 – 28 | Moderate | Schedule a comprehensive evaluation. |
| 29 – 63 | Severe | Seek immediate clinical support or crisis care. |
These categories provide a starting point for discussion with a healthcare provider. They do not replace a clinical evaluation.
Sample Score Scenarios
The table below illustrates how different response patterns translate into totals and potential follow-up actions:
| Example Pattern | Total Score | Follow-Up Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly 0s with a few 1s | 8 | Continue self-care and retake in a month. |
| Mix of 1s and 2s | 23 | Plan a consultation with a therapist. |
| Several 3s across mood and energy items | 37 | Contact a mental health professional urgently. |
Tracking Scores Over Time
Repeating the inventory at regular intervals can highlight trends. Some people record monthly scores in a journal to see whether therapy or lifestyle changes are helping. A consistent increase signals the need for further support, while decreasing scores may confirm that current interventions are effective.
Cultural and Language Adaptations
The inventory has been translated into many languages and validated across cultures, but subtle differences in wording can influence responses. If English is not your first language, consider using a professionally translated version that reflects local expressions and cultural norms.
Limitations and Alternatives
No questionnaire can capture every nuance of mental health. The BDI-II emphasizes cognitive and affective symptoms and may not fully reflect physical manifestations of depression. Clinicians may pair it with other tools such as the PHQ-9 or clinical interviews to gain a comprehensive picture.
Using Results Responsibly
A self-assessment is most helpful when shared with someone qualified to interpret it. If your score concerns you, bring the results to a doctor, counselor, or therapist. Avoid self-diagnosis or making drastic decisions based solely on the number.
Resources and Crisis Contacts
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or a crisis hotline. In the United States, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Local mental health organizations often provide region-specific helplines and support groups.
For additional screening perspectives, explore the PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator, the GAD-7 Anxiety Score Calculator, and the Perceived Stress Scale Calculator to compare different wellbeing measures.