This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.
What the QuickDASH measures
The QuickDASH is a short version of the DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), developed by the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto. It measures the difficulty a person has with upper-limb activities and symptoms, whatever the cause: shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand problems, on either side.
The questionnaire
Eleven items are rated from 1 to 5 for the past week:
- six activities (opening a jar, heavy chores, carrying a bag, washing your back, using a knife, forceful leisure activities), from “no difficulty” to “unable”;
- interference with social activities and limitation in work or daily activities;
- pain, tingling, and difficulty sleeping because of pain.
The calculator uses short labels; the official questionnaire wording is available from the Institute for Work & Health.
The formula
QuickDASH = (sum of the answers ÷ number of answers − 1) × 25
The score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 100 (most severe disability). At least 10 of the 11 items must be answered; this calculator expects all 11.
Example
Answers totaling 24 give (24 ÷ 11 − 1) × 25 = 29.5.
| Score | Usual reading |
|---|---|
| 0 | No disability |
| 1 to 20 | Mild |
| 21 to 40 | Moderate |
| 41 to 60 | Marked |
| above 60 | Severe |
These bands are a reading aid: the QuickDASH has no official categories. Healthy adults in the general population average around 10 to 15.
Following progress
The minimal clinically important difference is about 15 to 20 points: a change smaller than that may not be noticeable to the patient. Physical therapists and surgeons repeat the QuickDASH before and after treatment, such as surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome or rehabilitation after a shoulder injury.
Optional work and sports/music modules, with four items each, can be scored separately with the same formula.