COPD Assessment Test (CAT)
Health-status impact of COPD (8 items, 0–40).
What it is for
COPD review & response to treatment / rehab. ≥ 10 = significant symptom burden.
Use the working calculator
The working COPD Assessment Test (CAT) calculator is on our calculators page. It is free and needs no account. Enter the values and it shows the result with the reading that goes with it.
The calculators are free. The trial opens the protocols and pathways they link to.What you enter
The calculator asks for 8 items.
Score each 0 (none) to 5 (worst):
- CoughOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- Phlegm / mucusOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- Chest tightnessOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- Breathlessness on stairs / hillsOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- Activity limitation at homeOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- Confidence leaving homeOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- SleepOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
- EnergyOptions: 0; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
How the result is read
The result is shown as CAT, out of a maximum of 40.
The calculator reads each total as follows. Where a single answer changes the reading (for example sex, age or one extreme value), the working calculator says so.
| Total | Band | What the calculator says |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 9 | Low impact | Maintain therapy; review at next routine visit. |
| 10 to 20 | Medium impact | Optimise inhalers + pulmonary rehab; check technique/adherence. |
| 21 to 30 | High impact | Escalate therapy; rehab; review exacerbation plan. |
| 31 to 40 | Very high impact | Specialist review; comprehensive management. |
Sources
These are the sources the calculator cites. Check the current version before relying on a threshold.
Related
For qualified clinicians. A score supports a clinical decision and does not make it: check the inputs, read the cited source, and use the tools in your clinical system for patient care where one is provided.