DASS-21 Test
Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21)
Measure your depression, anxiety and stress levels with the free 21-item DASS scale
DASS-21 Test
Rate how much each statement applied to you over the past week. (Answered 0/21)
I found it hard to wind down
I was aware of dryness of my mouth
I couldn't seem to experience any positive feeling at all
I experienced breathing difficulty (e.g. excessively rapid breathing, breathlessness in the absence of physical exertion)
I found it difficult to work up the initiative to do things
I tended to over-react to situations
I experienced trembling (e.g. in the hands)
I felt that I was using a lot of nervous energy
I was worried about situations in which I might panic and make a fool of myself
I felt that I had nothing to look forward to
I found myself getting agitated
I found it difficult to relax
I felt down-hearted and blue
I was intolerant of anything that kept me from getting on with what I was doing
I felt I was close to panic
I was unable to become enthusiastic about anything
I felt I wasn't worth much as a person
I felt that I was rather touchy
I was aware of the action of my heart in the absence of physical exertion (e.g. sense of heart rate increase, heart missing a beat)
I felt scared without any good reason
I felt that life was meaningless
Please answer all questions to see your results.
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About the DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales)
The DASS-21 is a 21-item self-report questionnaire that measures three related negative emotional states — depression, anxiety and stress — over the past week.
- 21 questions across three subscales — depression, anxiety and stress — each scored on its own.
- Based on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales by Lovibond & Lovibond (1995), a widely used research instrument.
- Subscale scores are doubled and compared against standard severity bands, from normal to extremely severe.
- Runs entirely in your browser — your answers are never uploaded.
- Disclaimer: The DASS-21 is a screening tool for emotional distress, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot diagnose depression, an anxiety disorder or any condition. If you are struggling, please consult a qualified health professional.
Talk through your results with AI
Want to go deeper than a score? Copy the prompt below into ChatGPT, Claude or another AI assistant to reflect on your results, ask follow-up questions and get practical next steps. AI can be a helpful thinking partner for self-reflection — but it is not a therapist. Please read the note below.
I just completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), a self-assessment questionnaire. I'd like to reflect on what my results might mean. Please act as a supportive, evidence-based wellbeing coach: first ask me 2–3 clarifying questions, then explain in plain language what my results could indicate, and suggest small, realistic steps I could try over the next two weeks. Be honest about the limits of a self-test, and tell me when it would be wise to talk to a qualified professional.
AI assistants can make mistakes and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or care. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.
About this tool
What is DASS-21 Test?
A 21-item self-report questionnaire that measures depression, anxiety and stress over the past week.
What is it for?
Get a separate score for depression, anxiety and stress to see which areas need attention.
How to read your result
Each subscale is scored on its own; higher scores mean more severe symptoms.
The DASS-21 is a screening questionnaire for emotional distress, not a diagnostic test. It cannot diagnose depression, an anxiety disorder or any condition. If you are struggling, consult a qualified health professional.
Classification & Reference
| Severity | Depression | Anxiety | Stress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 0–9 | 0–7 | 0–14 |
| Mild | 10–13 | 8–9 | 15–18 |
| Moderate | 14–20 | 10–14 | 19–25 |
| Severe | 21–27 | 15–19 | 26–33 |
| Extremely Severe | 28+ | 20+ | 34+ |
Frequently asked questions
How is the DASS-21 scored?
You rate 21 statements from 0 to 3 based on the past week. Items are grouped into three subscales — depression, anxiety and stress (7 items each). Each subscale total is multiplied by 2, then compared against its own severity bands (normal, mild, moderate, severe, extremely severe). This calculator does the doubling and grading for you.
What is a normal DASS-21 score?
Because scores are doubled, 'normal' differs by subscale: depression 0–9, anxiety 0–7, and stress 0–14. Above those ranges the result moves into mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe. Each of the three scales is interpreted separately, not as one combined total.
What is the difference between DASS-21 and DASS-42?
The DASS-42 has 42 items; the DASS-21 is the short form with half the items. Because of that, DASS-21 subscale scores are multiplied by 2 so they can be read against the same severity ranges as the full DASS-42.
Is the DASS-21 a diagnosis of depression or anxiety?
No. The DASS-21 measures the severity of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, but it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score is a reason to pay attention or seek support, not a medical diagnosis.
Who created the DASS-21?
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales were developed by Peter Lovibond and Syd Lovibond at the University of New South Wales, first published in 1995. The DASS-21 is the widely used 21-item short version and is free to use for non-commercial purposes.
Can I use ChatGPT or Claude to understand my results?
Yes. AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude can be a useful way to reflect on what your results mean and explore next steps, and this tool gives you a ready-made prompt plus a one-click link to start that conversation. Keep in mind that AI is not a licensed professional and cannot diagnose you — for a formal assessment, or if you are struggling, please consult a qualified health professional.