How many items must I answer for a valid DASH score?

At least 27 of the 30 items must be completed. If more than 3 items are left unanswered (marked N/A), the score cannot be calculated.

What is the DASH score formula?

DASH score = [(sum of completed responses / number of completed items) − 1] × 25. This yields a 0–100 scale where 0 = no disability and 100 = complete disability.

What is a normal DASH score?

For healthy adults with no upper-extremity conditions, average DASH scores are typically below 10. Scores above 40 generally indicate moderate to severe disability that affects daily activities.

What does this calculator cover?

The standard 30-item DASH disability/symptom module. The optional DASH Work and Sport/Performing Arts modules are separate 4-item supplements and are not included here.

Is the DASH score used for all upper-extremity conditions?

Yes — the DASH is region-nonspecific and applies across shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand conditions. This makes it useful for comparing outcomes across different diagnoses.

Does this tool provide medical advice?

No. This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. Clinical interpretation and treatment decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

DASH Score Calculator

Answer 30 standardized questions about arm, shoulder, and hand function to get your DASH disability score (0–100) with interpretation.

DASH Questionnaire

Rate each item based on your experience over the past week.

At least 27 of 30 items must be answered. Select N/A only if the activity is not applicable to you.

Items 1–21 — Difficulty with Activities

Please rate your ability to do the following activities in the last week by circling the number that best describes your ability.
1 = No difficulty | 2 = Mild difficulty | 3 = Moderate difficulty | 4 = Severe difficulty | 5 = Unable

1.Open a tight or new jar –

2.Write –

3.Turn a key –

4.Prepare a meal –

5.Push open a heavy door –

6.Place an object on a shelf above your head –

7.Do heavy household chores (e.g., wash walls, wash floors) –

8.Garden or do yard work –

9.Make a bed –

10.Carry a shopping bag or briefcase –

11.Carry a heavy object (over 10 lbs / 5 kg) –

12.Change a lightbulb overhead –

13.Wash or blow dry your hair –

14.Wash your back –

15.Put on a pullover sweater –

16.Use a knife to cut food –

17.Recreational activities which require little effort (e.g., card playing, knitting, etc.) –

18.Recreational activities in which you take some force or impact through your arm, shoulder, or hand (e.g., golf, hammering, tennis, etc.) –

19.Recreational activities in which you move your arm freely (e.g., playing frisbee, badminton, etc.) –

20.Manage transportation needs (getting from one place to another) –

21.Sexual activities –

Items 22–29 — Impact & Symptom Severity

Please answer each item for the past week using its displayed response scale.

22.To what extent has your arm, shoulder, or hand problem interfered with normal social activities? –

23.Were you limited in work or other regular daily activities because of your arm, shoulder, or hand problem? –

24.Pain in your arm, shoulder, or hand –

25.Pain in your arm, shoulder, or hand when performing a specific activity –

26.Tingling (pins and needles) in your arm, shoulder, or hand –

27.Weakness in your arm, shoulder, or hand –

28.Stiffness in your arm, shoulder, or hand –

29.How much difficulty have you had sleeping because of pain in your arm, shoulder, or hand? –

Item 30 — Self-Perception

Indicate how strongly you agree with the statement for the past week.

30.I feel less capable, less confident, or less useful because of my arm, shoulder, or hand problem. –

Progress

0 / 30

Minimum 27 items required for a valid score.

Answer at least 27 items to calculate your DASH score.

For educational use only. All clinical decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

Summary

Answer 30 standardized questions about arm, shoulder, and hand function to get your DASH disability score (0–100) with interpretation.

How it works

Rate each of the 30 items based on your experience over the past week.
Each item uses a 1–5 scale: 1 = no difficulty/no symptoms, 5 = unable/extreme.
At least 27 of 30 items must be completed for a valid score.
The calculator applies the official formula: [(sum ÷ n) − 1] × 25 to produce a 0–100 score.
A score of 0 means no disability; 100 means maximum disability.

Use cases

Evaluating upper-extremity function before and after surgery or rehabilitation.
Monitoring treatment progress for shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand conditions.
Research outcome assessment in orthopaedic and hand therapy studies.
Documenting functional disability for work capacity or insurance evaluations.
Screening patients for the impact of conditions such as rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-19 · Reviewed by Nham Vu