WHO-5 Wellbeing Index
Calculate your official WHO-5 wellbeing score in under 2 minutes. Scores 0–100 with depression screening threshold at 50. Free, private, evidence-based.
All calculations run instantly in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Disclaimer: Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.
How the WHO-5 Calculator Works
The WHO-5 Wellbeing Index is a five-item questionnaire developed by the World Health Organisation and validated in clinical studies across more than 30 countries. Each item asks how often in the past two weeks you experienced a positive mental state, rated on a scale from 0 (at no time) to 5 (all of the time).
Your raw score — the sum of all five items — ranges from 0 to 25. This calculator multiplies by four to produce a percentage score from 0 to 100, which is the standard WHO-5 reporting format.
The Formula
WHO-5 Score = Sum of 5 items × 4
Source: Topp CW et al. (2015). The WHO-5 Wellbeing Index: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(3), 167–176.
How to Read Your Result
| Score | Interpretation | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 89–100 | Excellent | High wellbeing — maintain your current habits |
| 73–88 | Good | Good wellbeing with room for growth |
| 51–72 | Moderate | Some areas of wellbeing need attention |
| 29–50 | Low | Screening for depression recommended — consider speaking with a professional |
| 0–28 | Very low | Please speak with a healthcare professional. If you feel unsafe, contact emergency services. |
Tips to Improve Your WHO-5 Score
The five items map directly to actionable areas. If you scored low on feeling calm and relaxed, breathing techniques like box breathing can help within days. If energy was the issue, sleep consistency is typically the highest-leverage intervention. If you felt isolated, even one meaningful social interaction per week produces measurable wellbeing benefits.
For a structured approach, see our guide on creating a personal wellbeing plan — it uses WHO-5 scores as the baseline.
Limitations
The WHO-5 measures recent positive mood states, not the full spectrum of mental health. It screens effectively for depression but does not assess anxiety, personality disorders, or situational adjustment. A low score is a signal to seek professional assessment, not a diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index?
A five-item questionnaire developed by the WHO that measures subjective psychological wellbeing. It scores 0–100 and is one of the most widely used wellbeing instruments in clinical research.
What does a score below 50 mean?
Scores below 50 indicate low wellbeing and are used as a screening threshold for depression. This doesn't diagnose depression but suggests a professional assessment is worthwhile.
How often should I retake the WHO-5?
Every 4 weeks is typical for personal tracking. In clinical settings, monthly retesting is standard practice.
Is the WHO-5 validated?
Yes. It has been validated in over 30 languages with strong sensitivity (83%) for detecting major depression as a screening tool.
What should I do if my score is very low?
Please speak with a healthcare professional or mental health provider. If you feel unsafe or are in crisis, contact your local emergency services immediately.