Use the checker
Formula used
Total Symptom Score = sum of 20 symptom ratings, where each item is scored from 0 to 4. Maximum possible total = 80.
Severity Percent = (Total Symptom Score ÷ 80) × 100.
Functional Strain Percent = ((Daily Functioning Impact + Current Distress + Support Strain) ÷ 12) × 100.
Overall Trauma Burden = (Severity Percent × 0.85) + (Functional Strain Percent × 0.15).
Cluster Percent = (Cluster subtotal ÷ cluster maximum) × 100 for Intrusion, Avoidance, Mood & Cognition, and Arousal & Reactivity.
Screen-positive pattern used here = at least 1 intrusion item rated 2+, 1 avoidance item rated 2+, 2 mood/cognition items rated 2+, 2 arousal items rated 2+, and symptoms lasting 4 weeks or more.
This scoring framework is educational and structured to support self-monitoring. It cannot replace a clinician’s evaluation.
How to use this calculator
- Rate each symptom based on the past several weeks.
- Use the 0 to 4 scale honestly and consistently.
- Add your daily impact, current distress, support strain, and duration.
- Press the calculate button to view your score above the form.
- Review the cluster chart to see which symptom group stands out most.
- Use the recommendations as follow-up prompts, not final conclusions.
- Download your report as CSV or PDF if you want to track changes.
- Seek professional support if symptoms are persistent, disruptive, or worsening.
Example data table
| Example | Total Symptom Score | Symptoms Rated 2+ | Highest Cluster | Overall Trauma Burden | Screen Pattern | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case A | 11 | 3 | Intrusion | 19.4% | No | Lower current symptom load. Continue monitoring changes. |
| Case B | 27 | 9 | Mood & Cognition | 44.1% | No | Elevated symptoms. Supportive follow-up may help. |
| Case C | 39 | 13 | Arousal & Reactivity | 63.2% | Yes | High concern screening result. Clinical review is wise. |
FAQs
1. Does this calculator diagnose PTSD?
No. It is a structured self-screening tool. It can highlight symptom patterns and possible concern levels, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose PTSD or explain symptoms in context.
2. What does a higher total score mean?
A higher total score means you reported more intense trauma-related symptoms. It suggests greater current burden, but it still does not prove PTSD. Clinical context matters.
3. Why are cluster scores shown separately?
Cluster scores show whether intrusion, avoidance, mood and cognition, or arousal symptoms are driving your result. That helps you spot patterns instead of relying on one total alone.
4. Why does duration matter?
Duration helps distinguish short-term distress from more persistent symptoms. Symptoms lasting fewer than four weeks may still need support, but this checker interprets them more cautiously.
5. Can I use this to track progress over time?
Yes. Repeating the checker at consistent intervals can help you notice changes in severity, functioning, and dominant symptom clusters. Keep the same rating approach each time.
6. What should I do if my score is high?
Consider contacting a licensed mental health professional, especially if symptoms disrupt sleep, work, relationships, or safety. Bring your score report to support a more informed conversation.
7. Why include support strain and functional impact?
Symptoms matter, but daily impact matters too. Two people with similar symptom scores can have different life disruption. These fields add more practical context to the result.
8. What if I feel unsafe right now?
Do not rely on this checker alone. Contact local emergency services, a crisis resource, or a trusted nearby person immediately. Immediate support is more important than scoring.