PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator

About the PHQ-9 Depression Questionnaire

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) asks about nine depression-related symptoms during the past two weeks. Its questions correspond to symptoms used in clinical assessment, and each response ranges from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” Each answer receives a value from 0 to 3, producing a total from 0 to 27. Although the PHQ-9 is widely used to screen for symptom burden and monitor change, it cannot establish a depression diagnosis by itself.

How PHQ-9 Depression Scoring Works

This PHQ-9 calculator adds the values selected for all nine questions. The total is grouped as minimal symptoms for 0–4, mild for 5–9, moderate for 10–14, moderately severe for 15–19, and severe for 20–27. A total of 10 or above is commonly a reason to seek further clinical evaluation, but the meaning of a score depends on symptoms, functioning, history, and circumstances. This calculator reports the total and its associated band to help frame a conversation with a healthcare professional.

Limitations of PHQ-9 Self-Assessment

A PHQ-9 result is a screening measure, not a clinical diagnosis. Medical conditions, medicines, substance use, grief, stress, and major life events can all affect how someone answers. Responses can also vary depending on when the questionnaire is completed. If moderate or severe symptoms are present, or if any level of symptoms is concerning, contact a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency or if you feel unsafe, contact emergency services or a crisis resource immediately.

PHQ-9 Screening and Early Recognition

The PHQ-9 can help put recent depression symptoms into a consistent, shareable format. Recognizing a pattern early may make it easier to discuss therapy, medication, daily routines, or other support with a clinician. Repeating the same nine questions over time can also show whether symptoms appear to be improving, stable, or worsening. A score is only one part of that picture, so changes should be considered alongside daily functioning and professional guidance.

Interpreting Your PHQ-9 Score

After you submit the nine PHQ-9 responses, the calculator displays the total and severity category. That category cannot capture the full context of your life or determine what care is appropriate. Use it as a prompt to consider your recent symptoms and, when appropriate, discuss them with a mental health professional. A low total does not rule out depression or another concern if symptoms are disrupting work, relationships, sleep, or daily activities.

Practical Steps After a PHQ-9 Check-In

A PHQ-9 check-in can be a useful starting point for deciding what support to seek. Regular sleep, physical activity, nourishing meals, social support, and stress-management practices may support wellbeing, while persistent or worsening symptoms deserve professional attention. Counseling, medication, or other treatment options should be considered with an appropriate clinician. Seeking help for depression symptoms is a practical health decision, not a personal failing.

How to use: Completing the PHQ-9 Responsibly

Use this PHQ-9 calculator to record how often each listed symptom occurred over the previous two weeks. The page calculates a score from the responses you select; consider writing down the result if you plan to discuss it with a healthcare provider. One completion is a snapshot rather than a verdict. People receiving care may complete the PHQ-9 repeatedly so a clinician can review symptom changes over time.

PHQ-9 Total Formula

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

Each PHQ-9 item is scored 0 to 3, so the possible total runs from 0 to 27.

Worked Example: Calculating a PHQ-9 Total

Suppose five PHQ-9 items are answered “several days” (1), three are answered “more than half the days” (2), and one is answered “nearly every day” (3). The total is 5×1 + 3×2 + 1×3 = 14, which this calculator classifies as moderate. The score alone does not determine care; duration, impairment, safety, and personal history also matter.

PHQ-9 Score Comparison Table

This PHQ-9 table shows the severity labels used by the calculator for each possible total range:

Limitations and Assumptions of PHQ-9 Scores

This PHQ-9 calculator assumes that each selected response accurately reflects symptom frequency during the past two weeks. It does not distinguish depression symptoms from symptoms related to grief, physical illness, medicines, substance use, or other circumstances. Sleep, stress, and physical health can affect a result. Treat the number as a conversation starter and seek professional evaluation when needed.

Tracking PHQ-9 Change Over Time

Repeated PHQ-9 scores can be more informative than a single depression symptom check-in when they are completed under similar conditions. Taking the questionnaire at regular intervals can help reveal a trend to discuss with a therapist or doctor. If you are in treatment, sharing the totals may help your provider understand changes that are not obvious from day to day.

Consider noting external factors alongside each PHQ-9 score. Changes in sleep, work stress, or major life events can affect responses. A brief note such as “exam week” or “recovering from illness” can put a change in score into context. This turns a number into a more useful record of recent wellbeing.

The ninth PHQ-9 item asks about thoughts of self-harm or being better off dead. A non-zero response to that item deserves prompt discussion with a qualified professional, even when the overall total is low. The calculator reports only the summed score and severity band; safety and support needs are more important than any one number.

If you are supporting someone else, encourage them to share their concerns and questionnaire result with a clinician or another trusted source of support.

Small steps toward support still count.

Encouraging PHQ-9 Conversations

A PHQ-9 score can give someone a concrete way to begin a difficult mental health conversation. Sharing concerns with a trusted friend, family member, therapist, doctor, or other professional may be an important first step. If someone you know is struggling, offer to help them seek appropriate support rather than relying on a questionnaire alone. Open conversations can reduce isolation and make it easier to ask for help.

When PHQ-9 Symptoms Need Immediate Help

If you feel like harming yourself, believe you cannot stay safe, or are in immediate danger, seek help right away. Contact emergency services, a crisis resource, a trusted person, or the nearest emergency department. A PHQ-9 total cannot assess imminent risk, so do not wait for a calculator result if urgent support is needed. Mental health crises can be treated, and immediate assistance is available.