Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence
HealthScore the standard 6-question Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) instantly. A quick self-check tool, not a diagnosis, based on the validated FTND scale.
FTND Total Score
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What is a Fagerstrom Score?
The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Calculator scores the validated 6-question FTND, widely used to assess the intensity of physical nicotine dependence. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
For related smoking-related tools, see the Cigarette Calculator and Pack Year Calculator.
How to use this Fagerstrom Score calculator
- Answer how soon after waking you smoke your first cigarette.
- Answer whether it's difficult to refrain from smoking where forbidden.
- Answer which cigarette you'd hate most to give up.
- Answer how many cigarettes per day you smoke.
- Answer whether you smoke more frequently in the morning.
- Answer whether you smoke even when ill in bed.
- Read your FTND Total Score instantly.
Formula & Methodology
Time to first cigarette and cigarettes per day are each scored 0-3; the remaining four questions are scored 0-1. Total Score = Sum of all 6 item scores (range: 0-10) Worked example โ smoking within 5 minutes of waking (3), difficulty refraining (1), hating to give up the first cigarette (1), 15 cigarettes per day (1), no to the remaining two: Total Score = 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 0 = 6
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a validated 6-question tool used to assess the intensity of physical dependence on nicotine, widely referenced in smoking cessation research and clinical practice.
No โ the FTND is a screening and assessment tool only, not a diagnostic instrument. It's designed to give a general sense of nicotine dependence level, not a formal diagnosis.
The six questions use different scoring scales โ some are 0-3, others are 0-1 โ and all six scores are summed for a total ranging from 0 to 10.
Higher totals generally reflect a stronger physical dependence on nicotine; this calculator does not provide a clinical interpretation โ this information may be useful context for a conversation with a healthcare provider about cessation support.
Smoking soon after waking is widely considered one of the strongest indicators of physical nicotine dependence, which is why this question carries a higher maximum score (3 points) compared to some of the other yes/no questions.
No โ this calculator runs entirely in your browser and does not transmit, store, or share your answers anywhere.
The [Cigarette Calculator](/cigarette-calculator/) estimates financial cost of smoking, while the FTND assesses physical nicotine dependence level โ the two provide different lenses on a smoking habit.
Understanding your dependence level can help inform conversations with a healthcare provider about appropriate cessation support options, such as nicotine replacement therapy, though the FTND itself doesn't provide a treatment plan.
The Fagerstrom Test was developed as a validated tool to quantify nicotine dependence and has become one of the most widely used and referenced instruments in smoking cessation research and clinical practice.
Speaking with a healthcare provider about cessation support options โ which may include counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medication โ is generally recommended, and support resources like national quitlines are also widely available.
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