Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)

Enter Calculation

1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette? Within 5 minutes (3) 6–30 minutes (2) 31–60 minutes (1) After 60 minutes (0)

2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden? Yes (1) No (0)

3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up? The first one in the morning (1) Any other (0)

4. How many cigarettes do you smoke per day? 10 or less (0) 11–20 (1) 21–30 (2) 31 or more (3)

5. Do you smoke more frequently during the first hours after waking? Yes (1) No (0)

6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day? Yes (1) No (0)

Results

Fagerström Score

0

out of 10

Dependence level	Low dependence
Score range	0–10

What is the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence?

The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a widely used, validated questionnaire that estimates the physical dependence on nicotine in cigarette smokers. It is a self-assessment screening tool used in research and clinical practice; it is not a medical diagnosis. If you are concerned about your smoking, speak with a healthcare professional.

How to use this calculator

Answer all six questions about your smoking habits using the dropdowns. Each answer carries a point value shown in parentheses. The calculator adds your responses into a single score from 0 to 10 and tells you the corresponding dependence level.

The formula explained

The total is a simple weighted sum: $$\text{Score} = \text{Q1} + \text{Q2} + \text{Q3} + \text{Q4} + \text{Q5} + \text{Q6}$$. Two items are weighted 0–3 (time to first cigarette and cigarettes per day), and the other four are yes/no items scored 0–1. The maximum possible total is 10. Interpretation bands commonly used are: 0–2 low dependence, 3–4 low to moderate, 5–7 moderate, and 8–10 high dependence.

The FTND total score (0–10) maps to low, moderate, and high nicotine dependence bands.

Worked example

Suppose someone smokes their first cigarette within 5 minutes of waking (3), finds it hard to refrain in forbidden places (1), would most hate to give up the first morning cigarette (1), smokes 11–20 per day (1), smokes more in the morning (1), and smokes when ill in bed (1). The total is $$3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = \mathbf{8}$$ indicating high dependence.

Each of the six questions contributes points that add up to the final FTND score.

FAQ

Is a high score dangerous? A higher score suggests stronger physical dependence and may mean you benefit from structured support or nicotine replacement therapy, but only a clinician can advise you.

What is the highest possible score? The maximum is 10 points.

Does this diagnose addiction? No. It is a screening estimate of dependence severity, not a diagnosis.