Free Depression Test
Not sure whether what you’re feeling is more than a rough patch? This free depression test uses the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), a 21-question questionnaire used by clinicians to gauge how severe depressive symptoms have been over the past two weeks. You get your score straight away, with a plain-English explanation of what it may mean and what to do next.
Private by design. Your answers are scored in your browser. We don’t ask for your name or email, and we don’t store or share your answers or result.
If you are in distress, please contact a crisis helpline. This test is not a crisis service.
What the depression test measures
The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was developed by psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck, the founder of cognitive therapy, and is one of the most widely used self-report measures of depression severity. It covers the main symptoms of depression described in diagnostic manuals, from sadness and loss of pleasure to changes in sleep, appetite, energy and concentration.
Each of the 21 items is a group of four statements, scored from 0 to 3. For each group, you choose the statement that fits you best over the past two weeks, including today. Your answers add up to a total between 0 and 63.
How your depression test score is read
| Score | Level | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 0–13 | Minimal | Few or no depressive symptoms right now. |
| 14–19 | Mild | Some low mood. Worth keeping an eye on and talking about. |
| 20–28 | Moderate | Symptoms likely affecting daily life. Professional support is advisable. |
| 29–63 | Severe | Significant symptoms. Please speak to a mental health professional soon. |
These ranges are the commonly used cut-offs for the BDI-II. A questionnaire can’t see your whole life. It is a snapshot of how you’ve felt recently, and a good starting point for a conversation with a professional.
Common signs of depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. It tends to show up as a cluster of changes that last for weeks and make ordinary life harder:
- Low mood, emptiness or numbness most of the day
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Constant tiredness or low energy
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling worthless, guilty or very self-critical
- Irritability or restlessness
- Thoughts that life isn’t worth living
You can read more in our guides to depression symptoms, the levels of depression and the different types of depression, or see how we work on the depression counselling page.
What this test can and can’t tell you
This is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis. It can show how heavy your symptoms have been recently and give you something concrete to share with a counsellor or doctor. It can’t tell you why you feel this way, and it can’t replace an assessment by a qualified professional.
Other things can look like depression, including burnout, grief, thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. A low score doesn’t mean you’re fine if you are struggling. Trust how you feel and talk to someone anyway.
Depression test: common questions
Is this depression test accurate?
It is based on the BDI-II, a questionnaire widely used in clinical practice and research to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. As an online self-completed version it gives a useful snapshot, but it is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose depression, after a proper conversation about your history and circumstances.
How long does the depression test take?
Most people finish in about 5 to 10 minutes. There are 21 questions, shown a few at a time, and you can go back to change an answer before you see your result.
Is the test really free and confidential?
Yes. There is no payment, sign-up or email address needed. Your answers are scored in your own browser and we don’t store or share them. Your result is kept only in your browser tab for as long as you have it open, so you can download your PDF report before closing it.
What does my depression test score mean?
A total of 0–13 is considered minimal, 14–19 mild, 20–28 moderate and 29–63 severe. Your result page explains what your level may mean and suggests next steps. It is a guide to how you have felt over the past two weeks, not a verdict.
My score is low, but I still feel low. What should I do?
Trust your own experience. A questionnaire can miss things, and you may be dealing with something it doesn’t ask about, such as grief, stress or burnout. If something feels wrong, it is worth talking to a counsellor whatever the number says.
What should I do if my score is moderate or severe?
Share your result with a mental health professional or your doctor, and don’t wait for it to pass on its own. You can book a free 15-minute call with our team, and we will help you work out the right next step. Depression is very treatable, and support works best when it starts early.
Can I take the depression test more than once?
Yes. The BDI-II asks about the past two weeks, so retaking it every couple of weeks is a good way to see whether things are improving. Download each PDF report to compare your scores over time or to show your therapist.
Can I share my result with my therapist or doctor?
Yes, that is what the PDF report is for. After you finish, use the Download PDF button on your result page and send it to your counsellor, psychologist or doctor. It gives them a starting point.
I’m having thoughts of ending my life. What should I do?
Please don’t wait to finish a questionnaire. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 (free, 24/7) or the emergency number 112 right now, or tell someone near you. You deserve support, and these feelings can change with help.