The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated 7-item screening instrument for anxiety severity, widely used in primary care and mental health settings. Each question is scored 0–3 based on symptom frequency over the past two weeks, producing a total score of 0–21. This free tool calculates your GAD-7 score instantly and maps it to a clinically recognized severity level.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). In an emergency, call 911.
GAD-7 Questionnaire
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
1 Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
2 Not being able to stop or control worrying
3 Worrying too much about different things
4 Trouble relaxing
5 Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
6 Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
7 Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
Functional Impairment Question
If you checked off any problems above, how difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?
This question is not scored in the total but provides important clinical context.
Your GAD-7 Results
Severity Scale
Medical Disclaimer: The GAD-7 is a validated screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Scores are not a substitute for professional clinical evaluation. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. If you are in crisis, please call 988 immediately.
How to Use the GAD-7 Anxiety Screening Tool
The GAD-7 anxiety screening tool is a standardized, self-administered questionnaire that clinicians use to assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. Developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues, it is one of the most widely validated anxiety screening instruments in primary care worldwide. This free online calculator walks you through all 7 questions and scores your responses instantly.
Step 1: Read the Time Frame
All GAD-7 questions refer to the last 2 weeks. This is the standardized time frame used in the validated version of the questionnaire. As you answer each question, think honestly about how often you experienced each anxiety symptom in the past 14 days.
Step 2: Answer All 7 Questions
For each question, select one of four frequency options: Not at all (0), Several days (1), More than half the days (2), or Nearly every day (3). The scoring at the top updates in real time as you make each selection, showing you a running total and a progress indicator on the severity scale. You must answer all 7 questions to see the full results panel.
Step 3: Answer the Functional Impairment Question
After the 7 scored questions, there is an optional question about how difficult your symptoms have made daily activities like work, household tasks, and relationships. This question does not affect your GAD-7 score, but it provides valuable clinical context — significant functional impairment alongside a high score is an important signal for professional evaluation.
Step 4: Interpret Your Results
Once you answer all 7 questions, your total score (0–21) and severity level appear automatically. The four severity ranges are: Minimal (0–4), Mild (5–9), Moderate (10–14), and Severe (15–21). A score of 10 or above is considered the clinical threshold for further evaluation. The results panel also includes a severity bar chart showing where your score falls relative to all ranges.
Understanding GAD-7 Scores
The GAD-7 was validated in a study of over 2,700 patients and has demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha of 0.92) and good sensitivity (89%) and specificity (82%) for generalized anxiety disorder at the threshold of 10. Research has also shown it performs well as a screener for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A score of 5 marks mild anxiety, 10 marks the threshold for probable GAD, and 15 indicates severe anxiety warranting prompt clinical attention.
Next Steps After Screening
If your GAD-7 score is 10 or above, consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider or a mental health professional. Generalized anxiety disorder is highly treatable — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold-standard psychological treatment, and several medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone) are also effective. If you are in immediate distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
FAQ
Is this GAD-7 tool free to use?
Yes, this GAD-7 anxiety screening tool is completely free with no account or signup required. You can use it as many times as you need. All processing runs locally in your browser.
Is my data safe and private?
Yes, all your answers and scores are processed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No responses, scores, or personal information are ever sent to a server or stored anywhere. When you close the page, everything is gone.
What is the GAD-7?
The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a validated self-report screening instrument for generalized anxiety disorder. It was developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues. Each of the 7 items is scored 0–3 for a total of 0–21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety symptom severity.
What do the GAD-7 score ranges mean?
GAD-7 scores map to four severity levels: 0–4 is Minimal anxiety, 5–9 is Mild anxiety, 10–14 is Moderate anxiety, and 15–21 is Severe anxiety. A score of 10 or above is generally used as the threshold for clinical significance and warrants further evaluation.
Can this tool diagnose anxiety?
No. The GAD-7 is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. A high score indicates that further evaluation by a qualified mental health or medical professional is warranted. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose generalized anxiety disorder and recommend appropriate treatment.
What is the functional impairment question about?
The functional impairment question asks how much the identified problems have impacted daily functioning (work, home, relationships). It is not scored in the GAD-7 total but provides important clinical context. Significant functional impairment alongside a high GAD-7 score strengthens the case for further clinical evaluation.
What should I do if I score high on the GAD-7?
If you score 10 or above, please reach out to a healthcare provider. In the US, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Anxiety is highly treatable — therapy (especially CBT) and medication can both be effective.
How often is the GAD-7 used clinically?
The GAD-7 is one of the most widely used anxiety screening tools in primary care worldwide. It is recommended for detecting generalized anxiety disorder and is also sensitive to other anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. It is commonly used to track treatment response over time.