A 20-item clinically validated questionnaire that screens for and tracks PTSD symptom severity based on DSM-5 criteria. Covers symptoms over the past month. Scores range from 0–80. A score of 31–33 or above indicates probable PTSD.
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For informational purposes only — not a clinical diagnosis
This tool is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) anytime, 24/7.
In the past month, how much were you bothered by:
Instructions: Think of a stressful experience from your past. Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Rate each problem based on how much you were bothered by it in the past month.
Question
Not at all (0)
A little bit (1)
Moderately (2)
Quite a bit (3)
Extremely (4)
⚠ Please answer all 20 questions before calculating.
Your PCL-5 Result
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out of 80
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0Cutoff: 31–3380
Cluster B — Intrusion
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Items 1–5 (max 20)
Cluster C — Avoidance
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Items 6–7 (max 8)
Cluster D — Neg. Mood & Cognition
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Items 8–14 (max 28)
Cluster E — Hyperarousal
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Items 15–20 (max 24)
Score range
Interpretation
Clinical guidance
0–30
Below probable PTSD threshold
Monitor; discuss results with provider if concerned
31–80
Probable PTSD
Clinical evaluation strongly recommended
🚨 Score at or above probable PTSD threshold
Your score suggests probable PTSD. Please speak with a mental health professional who specializes in trauma. Evidence-based treatments such as Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are highly effective. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 anytime.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PCL-5?
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire developed by the National Center for PTSD (Weathers et al., 2013) to assess the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms over the past month. It maps directly onto the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD and is widely used in clinical, research, and VA/military settings.
What is the cutoff score for PTSD?
The most commonly cited cutoff score for probable PTSD on the PCL-5 is 31–33. The National Center for PTSD recommends a cutoff of 33 for most general settings, but many clinicians use 31 as a more conservative threshold. The ideal cutoff may vary depending on the population being assessed. A score at or above the cutoff does not constitute a diagnosis — it indicates that a clinical evaluation is warranted.
What are the four DSM-5 PTSD symptom clusters?
DSM-5 organizes PTSD symptoms into four clusters: Cluster B (Intrusion — items 1–5): re-experiencing the trauma, such as flashbacks and nightmares. Cluster C (Avoidance — items 6–7): avoiding trauma-related thoughts, feelings, or external reminders. Cluster D (Negative alterations in cognition and mood — items 8–14): negative beliefs, emotional numbing, and detachment. Cluster E (Hyperarousal/Hyperreactivity — items 15–20): irritability, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbance. This calculator shows a subscale score for each cluster.
How does the PCL-5 relate to the GAD-7 and PHQ-9?
Clinicians frequently administer the PCL-5 alongside the PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) to get a comprehensive picture of a patient's mental health. These three tools together form a brief but powerful screening battery used at intake and ongoing follow-up — a core practice in measurement-based care. Trauma, depression, and anxiety frequently co-occur, making a multi-measure approach particularly valuable.
Is this a PTSD diagnosis?
No. The PCL-5 is a screening and symptom-tracking tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score at or above the cutoff suggests that a formal clinical evaluation is appropriate. Only a qualified mental health professional, using a comprehensive clinical interview, can diagnose PTSD.
About this calculator
This calculator implements the PCL-5 scoring algorithm developed by the National Center for PTSD (Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PA, Marx BP, Schnurr PP, 2013). Each of the 20 items is rated 0–4 ("Not at all" to "Extremely"), yielding a maximum total score of 80. Cluster subscores follow the DSM-5 four-symptom-cluster framework for PTSD.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified provider regarding PTSD and trauma-related concerns.