PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator

About the PHQ-9

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used screening tool for assessing the presence and severity of depression. It consists of nine questions that reflect the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders in the DSM. Each question asks how often you’ve experienced a particular symptom over the past two weeks, with response options ranging from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” Each answer is scored from 0 to 3, so total scores span 0–27. While the PHQ-9 cannot diagnose depression on its own, it serves as an accessible measure for both clinicians and patients to start a conversation about mental health.

How Scoring Works

Scoring the PHQ-9 is straightforward: simply sum the values for all nine responses. The resulting score indicates severity: 0–4 suggests minimal symptoms, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. Many healthcare providers use a score of 10 or above as a threshold for further evaluation, though the context of your symptoms matters. For example, a score of 12 might warrant different follow-up for someone with a history of depression compared to someone experiencing symptoms for the first time. This calculator computes your total score and provides a short interpretation so you can discuss the results with a professional.

Limitations of Self-Assessment

While the PHQ-9 is validated and useful, it does not replace a clinical diagnosis. Many factors influence mood, including medical conditions, medications, and life events. A trained professional considers these factors along with your score. It’s also possible to underreport or overreport symptoms depending on how you feel when taking the test. If your score suggests moderate or severe depression—or if you’re worried about any level of symptoms—seek professional help. In emergencies or if you feel unsafe, contact a crisis hotline or emergency services immediately.

Why Early Detection Matters

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but it’s highly treatable. Early detection enables you to explore therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of interventions before symptoms become overwhelming. Regular self-assessment helps track your mood over time, especially if you’re already receiving treatment. Many people complete the PHQ-9 weekly or monthly to monitor progress, adjusting their care plan if scores rise or remain high. Recognizing patterns early can prevent more severe episodes and improve long-term outcomes.

Interpreting Your Score

After you submit the questionnaire, the calculator displays your total score and severity category. Remember that no online tool can capture the full context of your life. Use the results as a prompt to reflect on how you’re feeling overall. If your score suggests significant symptoms, schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Even a low score doesn’t rule out depression entirely, especially if symptoms disrupt your work or relationships. Trust your intuition and seek help whenever you feel something isn’t right.

Practical Steps for Wellbeing

If the PHQ-9 indicates mild depression, lifestyle interventions may help. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep can improve mood for many people. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or journaling, also reduce stress. If symptoms persist or worsen, professional counseling or medication might be appropriate. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness, and seeking help is a courageous step toward healing. Whether your score is low or high, addressing your mental health proactively can lead to a better quality of life.

Using This Calculator Responsibly

This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It doesn’t collect or store your answers. After calculating your score, consider printing or jotting down the result so you can share it with a healthcare provider if needed. Remember that a single assessment offers only a snapshot in time. If you’re undergoing treatment, your therapist or doctor may use the PHQ-9 repeatedly to gauge progress. Feel free to reuse this calculator anytime you want a quick check-in.

MathML Formula

The PHQ-9 total is the sum of the nine item scores:

Each question is scored 0 to 3, so totals range from 0 to 27.

Worked Example

Imagine you answer “several days” (1) for five questions, “more than half the days” (2) for three questions, and “nearly every day” (3) for one question. The total is 5×1 + 3×2 + 1×3 = 14, which falls in the moderate range. A clinician might recommend further assessment or a treatment plan depending on duration, impairment, and risk factors.

Comparison Table

The table below summarizes the standard interpretation bands:

Limitations and Assumptions

The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It assumes honest self-reporting and does not account for situational factors such as grief, medical illness, or substance use that can mimic depressive symptoms. Scores can fluctuate with sleep, stress, and physical health. Use the results as a conversation starter and combine them with professional evaluation when needed.

Tracking Change Over Time

The PHQ-9 is most useful when repeated consistently. Taking it every two to four weeks provides a clear trend line. A drop of five points is often considered a meaningful improvement in clinical settings, while a rise may signal the need to adjust treatment or revisit coping strategies. If you are in therapy or on medication, sharing these scores helps your provider see progress that may not be obvious day to day.

Consider noting external factors alongside your score. Changes in sleep, work stress, or major life events can affect results. A brief note like “exams week” or “recovering from illness” helps you interpret fluctuations with more context. This practice turns a numeric score into a richer snapshot of your mental wellbeing.

The PHQ-9 also includes a question about thoughts of self-harm. If you select a non-zero response, it is especially important to discuss the result with a professional, even if the total score is low. The calculator reports the overall score, but your safety and support needs take priority over any single number.

If you are supporting someone else, consider taking the assessment together and encouraging them to share the result with a clinician.

Small steps still count.

Encouraging Conversations

Mental health can be difficult to discuss, but sharing concerns with supportive friends, family, or professionals is often the first step toward improvement. Tools like the PHQ-9 help start those conversations by giving you concrete numbers to reference. If someone you know is struggling, invite them to take the questionnaire or seek professional advice together. By normalizing mental health discussions, we reduce stigma and encourage early intervention. Remember—you don’t have to navigate depression alone.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you ever feel like harming yourself or believe you can’t go on, please reach out for help right away. Call a crisis hotline, contact a trusted friend, or go to the nearest emergency room. The PHQ-9 can’t detect imminent danger, so trust your instincts if you need urgent support. Mental health crises are treatable, and many people recover fully with the right care. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.