CAGE Questionnaire Calculator
Score the four-item CAGE questionnaire, a quick screen for problematic alcohol use. Answer each question Yes or No — a total of 2 or more is considered a positive screen that warrants a fuller clinical assessment.
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Formula
Score = number of Yes answers (0–4); a score of 2 or more is a positive screen
- The CAGE score is simply the number of 'Yes' answers, from 0 to 4.
- Each letter stands for a question: Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener.
- A score of 2 or more is a positive screen suggesting a possible alcohol problem.
- It's a screening aid, not a diagnosis — a positive result should prompt a full clinical assessment.
- Even a single 'Yes' can be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Two Yes answers
Answering Yes to feeling you should cut down and to having a morning eye-opener gives a score of 2 — a positive screen.
Frequently asked questions
What does CAGE stand for?
Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener — the themes of its four yes/no questions about drinking.
What score is a positive screen?
A total of 2 or more 'Yes' answers is considered positive and suggests a possible alcohol problem.
Is the CAGE questionnaire a diagnosis?
No. It's a brief screening tool. A positive result means a fuller clinical evaluation is advisable.
How accurate is it?
CAGE is a well-validated quick screen, but it can miss some patterns of drinking. It works best alongside professional judgement.
What should I do with a positive result?
Consider talking to a doctor or a counsellor, who can assess your drinking in more detail and discuss support options.