Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF)
Evaluate Your Psychological, Social & Occupational Functioning
About the GAF Scale
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) is a numeric scale (0-100) used by mental health professionals to assess an individual's overall level of psychological, social, and occupational functioning. Higher scores indicate better functioning. Originally part of the DSM-IV, the GAF remains widely used in clinical practice and research.
Overall functioning across psychological symptoms, social interactions, and occupational performance
0-100 scale where higher scores mean better functioning
Comprehensive self-assessment across three domains
All calculations happen in your browser. Your responses are never stored, transmitted, or visible to anyone.
Functioning Assessment
Rate each area based on your current level of functioning over the past week. Select the description that best matches your experience.
Understanding the GAF Scale
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) was developed as Axis V of the DSM-IV multiaxial assessment system. It provides clinicians with a single summary measure of a patient's overall level of functioning, considering the severity of psychological symptoms and their impact on social and occupational activities.
The GAF uses a 0-100 scale where 100 represents superior functioning with no symptoms, and lower scores indicate progressively more severe impairment. Clinicians rate patients based on the lowest level of functioning in three domains: psychological symptoms, social relationships, and occupational/academic performance.
How GAF Differs from Other Assessments
Unlike specific symptom scales (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety), the GAF provides a holistic view of functioning across all mental health domains. It captures not just symptom severity but how those symptoms affect daily life. A person with moderate depression symptoms might score 55-60 if they're still working and maintaining relationships, but 35-40 if the same symptoms have caused job loss and social isolation.
Important Limitations
The GAF was removed from the DSM-5 (2013) due to concerns about reliability and the difficulty of combining symptom severity with functioning in a single score. The WHODAS 2.0 (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule) was recommended as a replacement. However, the GAF remains widely used in clinical settings, insurance evaluations, forensic assessments, and research studies.
Complete GAF Scale Breakdown
Tips to Improve Your Functioning
Seek Professional Help
Consulting a therapist or counselor is the most effective step for addressing mental health challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based treatments have shown significant improvements in GAF scores across studies.
Build a Support Network
Engage with friends, family, or support groups to improve social functioning. Meaningful social connections are one of the strongest predictors of mental health recovery. Even small steps like a weekly phone call or joining an online community can make a difference.
Practice Self-Care
Incorporate activities like mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and enjoyable hobbies into your daily routine. Research consistently shows that these practices reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Set Achievable Goals
Focus on small, manageable steps to improve overall functioning. If work performance is impaired, start with showing up consistently. If social functioning is low, begin with one social interaction per week. Gradual improvements compound over time.
Maintain Medication Compliance
If prescribed psychiatric medication, consistent use is essential. Many people stop medication when they feel better, leading to relapse. Work with your prescriber on any concerns about side effects or effectiveness.
Clinical Context
GAF in the DSM-IV vs. DSM-5
The GAF was Axis V of the DSM-IV multiaxial system (1994-2013). When the DSM-5 eliminated the multiaxial system, the GAF was replaced by the WHODAS 2.0, which focuses on disability rather than combining symptoms and functioning in a single score. Despite this change, many clinicians continue to use the GAF due to its simplicity and familiarity.
Clinical Uses of GAF Scores
- Treatment planning: Helps determine the intensity of treatment needed
- Progress tracking: Changes in GAF scores over time measure treatment effectiveness
- Insurance and disability: Used in determinations of disability level and insurance coverage
- Forensic evaluations: Courts use GAF scores in competency and sentencing assessments
- Research: Widely used as an outcome measure in clinical trials
Self-Assessment vs. Clinical Assessment
This calculator provides an educational estimate. Professional GAF assessments are conducted by trained clinicians who consider the patient's complete history, clinical observations, and collateral information. Self-assessment tends to be less accurate because insight into one's own functioning can be limited, especially during acute episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A GAF score above 70 is generally considered good, indicating mild or no significant impairment in functioning. Scores of 81-100 suggest minimal to no symptoms with good functioning in all areas. Most people without mental health conditions score between 80-100.
This calculator provides a reasonable estimate, but professional assessment is more accurate. Clinicians consider factors you may not be aware of and can provide objective observations. Use this tool as a starting point for understanding your functioning level and discussing it with your healthcare provider.
While the GAF was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013, it remains widely used in clinical practice, disability evaluations, insurance determinations, forensic assessments, and research. The WHODAS 2.0 is its official DSM-5 replacement, but many clinicians continue to use both tools.
If you're in treatment, reassessing every 1-3 months helps track progress. Significant life changes, medication adjustments, or symptom changes also warrant reassessment. Tracking your score over time provides valuable information about treatment effectiveness.
The GAF combines symptom severity and functioning into one score, while the WHODAS 2.0 focuses specifically on disability across six domains (cognition, mobility, self-care, getting along, life activities, participation). The WHODAS 2.0 is considered more reliable because it separates symptoms from functioning, but the GAF is simpler and more intuitive for many clinicians.
If your GAF score suggests serious impairment (below 50), we strongly recommend reaching out to a mental health professional. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or go to your nearest emergency room. Help is available and effective.
Clinical Disclaimer
This GAF calculator is designed for educational purposes and should not replace a professional evaluation. The Global Assessment of Functioning is most accurately administered by a trained mental health professional who can consider your complete clinical picture. If your results indicate significant impairment, please consult a qualified mental health provider for proper assessment and treatment.
Clinical References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). Washington, DC: APA; 2000.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. (DSM-5). Washington, DC: APA; 2013.
- Endicott J, Spitzer RL, Fleiss JL, Cohen J. The Global Assessment Scale: A procedure for measuring overall severity of psychiatric disturbance. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33(6):766-771.
- Ustun TB, et al. Developing the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). Bull World Health Organ. 2010;88(11):815-823.
- Startup M, Jackson MC, Bendix S. The concurrent validity of the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Br J Clin Psychol. 2002;41:417-422.