PCL-5 PTSD Screening Calculator
The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms over the past month, following exposure to a stressful or traumatic experience.
How the score is calculated
Each item is rated on a 0–4 scale describing how much you have been bothered by that symptom in the past month. The 20 item scores are summed for a total ranging from 0 to 80. Higher totals generally reflect a greater number and intensity of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Important limitations
- The PCL-5 screens for symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress; it does not confirm a PTSD diagnosis, which requires a structured clinical interview.
- A cutoff score is a statistical threshold, not a certainty — both false positives and false negatives can occur.
- Recent unrelated stressors can also elevate some item scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PCL-5?
A 20-item self-report measure of post-traumatic stress symptoms based on DSM-5 criteria, covering the past month.
How is the PCL-5 scored?
Each item is rated 0–4; the 20 scores are summed for a total from 0 to 80.
Does a high PCL-5 score mean I have PTSD?
Not on its own. Your score may indicate a level of symptoms that warrants further discussion with a qualified healthcare professional, who can conduct a full evaluation.
What cutoff is commonly used?
A total of 33 or higher is a commonly cited provisional threshold in published research, though clinical judgment and context always matter alongside any cutoff.