EQ-5D-5L: EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level

Generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale. ≈ 2 min to complete. Free with attribution.

quality of life 5 items ≈ 2 min Updated 2026-05-06

Score EQ-5D-5L below → Download printable PDF View source paper (DOI)
What is EQ-5D-5L? EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level) is a validated instrument used to assess generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale.. It is used in generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale.. It comprises 5 items. Administration takes about 2 min.

What is EQ-5D-5L?

EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale.. It is most often used for generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale.. The instrument contains 5 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 2 min.

Source / attribution: Free for academic use; license for commercial use

Clinical context: when EQ-5D-5L is used

Generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale. EQ-5D-5L is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, EQ-5D-5L is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score EQ-5D-5L

Answer all 5 items below to see your EQ-5D-5L score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (1–5). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How EQ-5D-5L is scored

Five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) each scored 1-5 plus VAS 0-100.

Scoring notes: Five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) each scored 1-5 plus VAS 0-100.

EQ-5D-5L score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

Score rangeBandInterpretation
11111–11111Full healthNone
55555–55555Worst healthConsider intervention

How to score EQ-5D-5L: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Read each question and choose the response that best fits. Each response has a number next to it — that number is the item's score. The example below uses illustrative answers.

#ItemExample responseScore
1MobilityI am unable to walk about5
2Self-careI am unable to wash or dress myself5
3Usual activities (e.g. work, study, housework, family or leisure activities)I am unable to do my usual activities5
4Pain / DiscomfortI have extreme pain or discomfort5
5Anxiety / DepressionI am extremely anxious or depressed5

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add up all the item scores you noted in Step 1.

5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 25

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 25Worst health

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Worst health. Consider intervention

A score is one input alongside history and examination. EQ-5D-5L supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score EQ-5D-5L with your own answers above →

EQ-5D-5L psychometric properties

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

How EQ-5D-5L compares to other quality of life scales

If EQ-5D-5L doesn't fit your context, related instruments in quality of life include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
SWLS5-item global measure of life satisfaction based on cognitive judgment.5≈ 1 min
SF-12Brief 12-item version of SF-36 for large surveys and routine monitoring.12≈ 3 min
PHQ-9Severity of depression9≈ 3 minutes
GAD-7Severity of generalized anxiety7≈ 2 minutes
AUDIT10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence.10≈ 3 min
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3
MELD-Na3-month mortality in advanced liver disease; transplant prioritization5

Frequently asked questions about EQ-5D-5L

What does EQ-5D-5L measure?

EQ-5D-5L (EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level) is a validated instrument that assesses generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale.. Its primary clinical use is generic health status measure with 5 dimensions and 5 levels each plus visual analog scale..

How long does EQ-5D-5L take to complete?

EQ-5D-5L typically takes ≈ 2 min to administer. Time can vary slightly depending on whether it is self-administered or clinician-led.

How many items are on EQ-5D-5L?

EQ-5D-5L contains 5 items. Items are summed to produce a total score.

What is a high EQ-5D-5L score?

Scores of 55555–55555 fall in the "Worst health" band. Consider intervention

What is a low EQ-5D-5L score?

Scores of 11111–11111 fall in the "Full health" band. None

How reliable is EQ-5D-5L?

EQ-5D-5L has reported Cronbach's α of 0.86 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.78. Widely used in health economics and clinical trials.

Is EQ-5D-5L free to use?

EQ-5D-5L is free to use with attribution. Free for academic use; license for commercial use

What is the source paper for EQ-5D-5L?

EuroQol Group. (2011). EQ-5D-5L User Guide. EuroQol Office.

Can EQ-5D-5L replace clinical judgment?

No. EQ-5D-5L is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

EQ-5D-5L is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: