A T-score compares your bone mineral density to the average peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A score of 0 means your density exactly matches the young-adult average; negative numbers indicate lower density.

What T-score indicates osteoporosis?

According to WHO criteria, a T-score at or below -2.5 is classified as osteoporosis. A score between -1.0 and -2.5 is osteopenia (low bone mass), and -1.0 or above is considered normal.

Is a T-score the same as a Z-score?

No. A T-score compares you to a young-adult reference population. A Z-score compares you to people of the same age, sex, and sometimes ethnicity. Z-scores are often used for children and premenopausal women; this tool uses the T-score scale per WHO adult guidelines.

Which site — hip or spine — should I use?

You can enter either site value. Osteoporosis is diagnosed if the T-score at any measured site meets the threshold. Your doctor will consider all measured sites together; enter each one separately to see its classification.

Does this tool replace a doctor's advice?

No. This tool provides educational classification only. Fracture risk depends on many additional factors (age, sex, prior fractures, medications, lifestyle). Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider.

Bone Density T-Score Calculator

Name: Bone Density T-Score Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your DXA T-score to instantly classify bone health as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis per WHO criteria with fracture risk context.

Enter Your T-Score

Typically found on your DXA scan report, ranging from about +3 to -4.

T-Score value

Scan site (optional)

WHO Classification Reference

T-Score Range	Classification
−1.0 and above	Normal
−1.0 to −2.5	Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass)
−2.5 and below	Osteoporosis

Your result will appear here.

Enter a T-score on the left and click Interpret.

Summary

Enter your DXA T-score to instantly classify bone health as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis per WHO criteria with fracture risk context.

How it works

Enter the T-score from your DXA bone density scan report.
The calculator compares your score to the WHO classification thresholds.
Your classification (Normal, Osteopenia, or Osteoporosis) is displayed instantly.
A visual scale shows where your T-score sits relative to the diagnostic ranges.
Fracture risk context and next-step guidance are shown beneath the result.

Use cases

Understand a DXA scan result before a follow-up doctor appointment.
Track bone health changes across multiple scan results over time.
Educate patients or caregivers about osteoporosis diagnosis criteria.
Quickly reference WHO T-score thresholds without memorizing the ranges.
Screen-friendly reference tool for nursing students and clinicians.
Compare hip vs. spine T-score classifications side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu