The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score is a measure developed from the landmark CDC-Kaiser ACE Study to quantify the number of types of childhood trauma experienced before age 18. Ten categories of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are each scored yes or no (1 or 0), producing a total score of 0–10. Higher scores are strongly correlated with increased risk for chronic physical and mental health conditions in adulthood.
Sensitive Content Warning
This questionnaire asks about experiences of childhood abuse, neglect, and trauma. If at any point you feel distressed, you may stop. Crisis support is available 24/7: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) · 1-800-656-HOPE (RAINN) · text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
ACE Questionnaire
Before your 18th birthday… answer Yes or No for each question below.
1 Did a parent or other adult often swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you? Or act in a way that made you afraid you might be physically hurt?
2 Did a parent or other adult often push, grab, slap, or throw something at you? Or ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?
3 Did an adult or person at least 5 years older ever touch or fondle you in a sexual way, or have you touch their body? Or attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?
4 Did you often feel that no one in your family loved you or thought you were important? Or that your family didn't look out for each other, feel close, or support each other?
5 Did you often feel that you didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, or had no one to protect you? Or were your parents too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor?
6 Were your parents ever separated or divorced?
7 Was your mother or stepmother often pushed, grabbed, slapped, kicked, bitten, or hit? Or threatened with a gun or knife? Or repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes?
8 Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?
9 Was a household member depressed or mentally ill? Or did a household member attempt suicide?
10 Did a household member go to prison?
How to Use the ACE Score Calculator
The ACE score calculator implements the validated 10-question survey from the original CDC-Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. Answering all 10 questions takes approximately 2–3 minutes and provides an immediate score with research-backed health risk context.
Step 1: Read the Sensitive Content Notice
The ACE questionnaire covers childhood abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Before beginning, note the crisis resources displayed at the top of the page. If at any point the questions feel distressing, you are free to pause or stop. Your wellbeing comes first.
Step 2: Answer All 10 Questions
Each question asks whether you experienced a specific type of adverse childhood experience before your 18th birthday. Answer Yes or No for each item. The phrasing follows the original CDC-Kaiser ACE Study questionnaire. Each "Yes" answer adds 1 point to your total ACE score. The live score counter at the top updates as you answer.
Step 3: Review Your Results
Once all 10 questions are answered, your ACE score (0–10) and risk level appear automatically. The results include:
- Score and risk category — No ACEs (0), Moderate risk (1–3), High risk (4–6), or Very High risk (7–10)
- Health risk associations — specific statistics from the CDC-Kaiser study showing how ACE scores correlate with conditions like heart disease, depression, and substance use
- Protective factors — evidence-based information on resilience and how supportive relationships buffer the effects of ACEs
- Crisis and support resources — hotline numbers if you need immediate help
Understanding Your ACE Score
An ACE score of 0 means no adverse childhood experiences were reported in the 10 categories assessed. A score of 1–3 is associated with some increase in health risk compared to a score of 0, though many people in this range live healthy lives. A score of 4 or higher is the threshold most often cited in research — individuals with ACE scores of 4+ have approximately double the risk of heart disease and cancer, 4.6 times the risk of depression, and 12 times the risk of suicide attempts compared to those with ACE scores of 0.
Important Limitations
The ACE questionnaire measures only 10 specific categories from the original 1998 study. It does not capture community violence, bullying, racism, natural disasters, or economic hardship — all of which can also affect long-term health. The tool is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic test. A high score does not guarantee poor health outcomes, and a low score does not guarantee good ones. Individual resilience, relationships, and access to care all play significant roles. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
FAQ
Is this ACE calculator free to use?
Yes, this ACE score calculator is completely free with no account or signup required. All processing runs locally in your browser — nothing is ever sent to a server.
Is my data private and safe?
Yes. All your answers are processed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No responses, scores, or personal data are ever transmitted or stored anywhere. When you close the page, everything is gone.
What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur before age 18, including abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect, and household dysfunction (witnessing domestic violence, substance use, mental illness, or incarceration). The original CDC-Kaiser ACE Study identified 10 categories now used in the standard questionnaire.
What does my ACE score mean?
Each ACE you experienced adds 1 point (0–10 total). A score of 0 means no ACEs were reported. Scores of 1–3 indicate moderate risk with some elevation in health outcomes. A score of 4 or higher is associated with significantly increased risk for chronic disease, mental illness, and substance use disorders.
Can this tool diagnose anything?
No. The ACE questionnaire is a research and screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. A high ACE score indicates increased statistical risk at the population level; it does not predict any individual's health outcome. Only a licensed clinician can assess and diagnose health conditions.
What health risks are associated with a high ACE score?
Research from the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study shows that individuals with ACE scores of 4 or more have roughly double the risk of heart disease and cancer, 4.6 times the risk of depression, and 12 times the risk of suicide attempts compared to those with a score of 0. These are population-level statistics, not individual predictions.
Does a high ACE score mean I'm destined to have health problems?
No. ACE scores reflect statistical risk at the population level, not individual destiny. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy, fulfilling lives. Protective factors — such as stable supportive relationships, access to mental health care, and strong social connections — can significantly buffer the effects of childhood adversity.
Where can I get help if I'm struggling after taking this assessment?
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). For trauma-related support, SAMHSA's National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-4357. RAINN's hotline is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for sexual assault survivors.