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Nicotine Dependence Score Calculator

Work out nicotine dependence score instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Nicotine Dependence Score Calculator

Scores the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, where the time to the first cigarette and daily consumption carry the most weight.

Formula

Fagerstrom test

Six items totalling 0-10: 0-2 very low, 3-4 low, 5 moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high dependence

Worked example

With the default values below, Nicotine Dependence Score Calculator returns Fagerstrom test total of 5. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Time to first cigarette after wakingone of Within 5 minutes (3), 6 to 30 minutes (2), 31 to 60 minutes (1), After 60 minutes (0)
6 to 30 minutes (2)
Cigarettes per dayone of 10 or fewer (0), 11 to 20 (1), 21 to 30 (2), 31 or more (3)
11 to 20 (1)
Points from the remaining four itemsaccepts 0–4
2

Results

Fagerstrom test total
5
Dependence band
Moderate dependence
Treatment note
Single-agent pharmacotherapy is commonly sufficient at this level
Maximum possible score
10

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Fagerstrom test
  3. 3Fagerstrom test total= 5
  4. 4Dependence band= Moderate dependence
  5. 5Treatment note= Single-agent pharmacotherapy is commonly sufficient at this level
  6. 6Maximum possible score= 10

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to whole numbers, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which single item predicts most?

Time to the first cigarette after waking is the strongest single predictor of dependence severity.

Does a low score mean quitting is easy?

Not necessarily. Behavioural cues and social context also drive relapse independently of the score.

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