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Skin Type (Fitzpatrick) Calculator

Work out skin type (fitzpatrick) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Skin Type (Fitzpatrick) Calculator

Totals the Fitzpatrick questionnaire across genetic disposition, sun reaction and tanning habits, then reads off the skin phototype.

Formula

Fitzpatrick scoring

Total 0-7 type I, 8-16 type II, 17-25 type III, 26-30 type IV, 31-34 type V, 35 or more type VI

Worked example

With the default values below, Skin Type (Fitzpatrick) Calculator returns Fitzpatrick skin type of Type III — burns moderately, tans gradually. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Genetic disposition points (items 1-5)accepts 0–20
8
Sun reaction points (items 6-9)accepts 0–16
6
Tanning habit points (items 10-13)accepts 0–16
3

Results

Fitzpatrick skin type
Type III — burns moderately, tans gradually
Questionnaire total
17
Burn risk
Moderate burn risk
Photoprotection note
Broad spectrum SPF 30 to 50 with reapplication is advisable

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Fitzpatrick scoring
  3. 3Fitzpatrick skin type= Type III — burns moderately, tans gradually
  4. 4Questionnaire total= 17
  5. 5Burn risk= Moderate burn risk
  6. 6Photoprotection note= Broad spectrum SPF 30 to 50 with reapplication is advisable

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

What is the phototype used for?

It guides sunscreen advice, laser and light-based treatment settings and phototherapy starting doses.

Is it the same as skin colour?

No. It describes how skin responds to ultraviolet exposure, which correlates with but is not identical to pigmentation.

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