What is a normal ODI score?

A score of 0–20% is classified as Minimal disability. Most people without significant back problems score in this range and are able to manage most daily activities without notable restriction.

How is the ODI percentage calculated?

Add the scores from all answered sections (0–5 each). Divide the total by the maximum possible (50 if all 10 sections answered, or 45 if one section is skipped, etc.) and multiply by 100. This tool automatically adjusts for any skipped sections.

Is this tool a substitute for medical advice?

No. The ODI is a self-report screening instrument. The result should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider — doctor, physiotherapist, or spine specialist — who can interpret it in the context of your full clinical picture.

What does "Crippled" mean in the ODI grading?

A score of 61–80% indicates that back pain significantly interferes with virtually all activities of daily living. Patients in this category usually require further investigation and often specialist intervention.

Can I use this during pregnancy?

The standard ODI was not specifically designed for pregnancy-related low back pain. Validated pregnancy-specific tools exist; consult your obstetrician or physiotherapist for the most appropriate questionnaire.

How often should I retake the ODI?

Clinically, the ODI is often repeated every 4–6 weeks during active treatment to track progress. A meaningful change is typically defined as a 10-percentage-point shift in score.

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Score Calculator

Summary

Answer 10 standardized questions about your back pain and daily activities to calculate your ODI score and disability grade.

How it works

Select the single best answer for each of the 10 sections describing your current condition.
Each section is scored from 0 (no limitation) to 5 (maximum limitation).
The calculator sums all section scores, divides by 50, and multiplies by 100 to get the ODI percentage.
The percentage maps to a disability grade: Minimal (0–20%), Moderate (21–40%), Severe (41–60%), Crippled (61–80%), or Bed-Bound (81–100%).
Review the grade interpretation and share the result with your healthcare provider.

Use cases

Track low back pain disability over time during rehabilitation.
Screen patients before and after spinal interventions or surgery.
Provide objective self-reported disability data for insurance or occupational assessments.
Guide physiotherapy goal-setting by identifying the most affected functional domains.
Document baseline functional status in clinical or research settings.
Compare disability levels across treatment arms in clinical trials.

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Calculator

ODI Questionnaire

Section Scores

ODI Grade Reference