Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) Calculator
Rate each domain from 0 to 3 based on your current ability. If you use a special device or another person's help in a domain, check the assistance box for that row.
| Domain | Difficulty Score | Uses Aid/Help? |
|---|---|---|
| Dressing & Grooming | ||
| Arising | ||
| Eating | ||
| Walking | ||
| Hygiene | ||
| Reach | ||
| Grip | ||
| Common Daily Activities |
What Is a HAQ Calculator?
A HAQ calculator estimates your Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), a widely used measure of physical function in people living with rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. The score helps summarize how difficult everyday tasks feel right now, from dressing and eating to walking and gripping objects.
Clinicians often use this number to track trends over time rather than focusing on one isolated score. If your HAQ score improves, it can indicate better day-to-day function. If it rises, it may signal a need to review pain control, treatment, sleep, mobility, or support strategies.
How This Calculator Works
Domain-Based Scoring
The HAQ-DI includes eight domains. For each one, you choose a difficulty level:
- 0 = No difficulty
- 1 = Some difficulty
- 2 = Much difficulty
- 3 = Unable to do
This calculator averages all eight adjusted domain scores. Final values range from 0.00 to 3.00.
Why Aid/Help Matters
In standard HAQ scoring, if a person uses an assistive device or another person’s help in a domain, that domain score is generally set to at least 2. That rule helps capture hidden disability that may not appear when someone has adapted with tools or support.
How to Interpret Your HAQ Result
- 0.00 to 0.99: Mild functional difficulty
- 1.00 to 1.99: Moderate functional difficulty
- 2.00 to 3.00: Severe functional difficulty
Interpretation should always include context: symptom flare status, fatigue, coexisting conditions, and treatment phase. A single score never tells the whole story.
Best Practices for Tracking Progress
Measure Consistently
Try to complete HAQ scoring at similar intervals, such as monthly or before appointments. Consistency improves usefulness.
Pair with Other Metrics
HAQ works best with additional information like pain scores, morning stiffness duration, inflammatory markers, and physician assessment.
Look for Trends, Not Perfection
Day-to-day variation is normal. Multi-point trends over weeks are more meaningful than any one result.
Important Clinical Note
This online HAQ calculator is for educational and self-tracking use only and is not a diagnosis tool. If your function worsens, you experience persistent joint swelling, or daily activities become harder, discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional.