BODE score table (Celli et al. 2004)
| Component | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|
| B — BMI (kg/m²) | >21 | ≤21 | – | – |
| O — FEV1 (% predicted) | ≥65 | 50–64 | 36–49 | ≤35 |
| D — mMRC | 0–1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| E — 6-minute walk (m) | ≥350 | 250–349 | 150–249 | ≤149 |
Quartile interpretation (primary study): quartile 1 = scores 0–2, quartile 2 = 3–4, quartile 3 = 5–6, quartile 4 = 7–10. Each 1-point increase raised the all-cause mortality hazard ratio by 1.34 (95% CI 1.26–1.42; P<0.001). In the study's validation cohort, quartile 4 (scores 7–10) was associated with 80% mortality at 52 months. These figures come from the study population (predominantly male, three countries), not a forecast for an individual.
Example calculation: BMI 24.5 (0 points); FEV1 42% predicted (2 points); mMRC 3 (2 points); 6-min walk 280 m (1 point) → total 0+2+2+1 = 5/10, quartile 3.
FAQ
What is the BODE Index?
The BODE Index is a 0–10 multidimensional prognosis score for COPD that combines four variables: body mass index (B), airflow obstruction via post-bronchodilator FEV1 % predicted (O), dyspnea on the mMRC scale (D), and exercise capacity via the 6-minute walk distance (E). It was published by Celli et al. in the New England Journal of Medicine (2004) and was shown to predict mortality risk better than FEV1 alone.
How is the BODE score calculated?
Add the points for each component: BMI >21 = 0, ≤21 = 1; FEV1 ≥65% = 0, 50–64% = 1, 36–49% = 2, ≤35% = 3; mMRC 0–1 = 0, 2 = 1, 3 = 2, 4 = 3; 6-minute walk ≥350 m = 0, 250–349 m = 1, 150–249 m = 2, ≤149 m = 3. Maximum total 10 points. Example: BMI 24.5 (0); FEV1 42% (2); mMRC 3 (2); 280 m (1) → total 5/10.
What do the BODE score quartiles mean?
The primary study divided scores into four quartiles: 0–2 (quartile 1), 3–4 (quartile 2), 5–6 (quartile 3), and 7–10 (quartile 4). Each 1-point increase raised the all-cause mortality hazard ratio 1.34 times (95% CI 1.26–1.42). In the validation cohort, quartile 4 patients (scores 7–10) had an 80% mortality rate at 52 months. These are statistics from the study population, not a certainty prediction for a specific individual.
What is the mMRC scale?
The Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale measures breathlessness from 0 to 4: 0 = breathless only with strenuous activity; 1 = breathless when hurrying on level ground or up a slight hill; 2 = walks slower than peers due to breathlessness or must stop for breath; 3 = stops for breath after about 100 meters; 4 = too breathless to leave home or breathless when dressing. BODE uses mMRC 0–1 = 0 points, 2 = 1 point, 3 = 2 points, 4 = 3 points.
What is the 6-minute walk test?
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measures the maximum distance a patient can walk in 6 minutes on a flat corridor, following a standard protocol (best of two tests with a ≥30-minute gap in the primary study). BODE uses the thresholds: ≥350 m = 0 points, 250–349 m = 1 point, 150–249 m = 2 points, ≤149 m = 3 points.
Is the BODE Index the same as the electronic Bode plot?
No — completely unrelated. The BODE Index is a medical score for COPD (Body mass, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise capacity; Celli et al. 2004). A Bode plot is a frequency-response graph in electrical engineering. They only coincidentally share the name "Bode." This calculator is 100% for the medical BODE Index.
Is the BODE score a diagnosis?
No. The BODE score is a prognosis index based on study-population statistics — it is not a COPD diagnosis and not an individual mortality prediction. Diagnosis and treatment decisions remain the doctor's authority. Do not change medication based on this calculator.
Who should use this calculator?
This calculator is intended for healthcare workers and educational purposes: learning exercises, score-summary documentation, or initial screening before a consultation. Patients can use it to understand the score concept, but clinical interpretation and follow-up must go through a doctor.
What are the limitations of the BODE Index?
The primary study (207 derivation patients, 625 validation patients) recruited relatively few women, came from three countries (US, Spain, Venezuela) with different mortality characteristics, and used post-bronchodilator FEV1 per ATS guidelines. The index also doesn't account for comorbidities (analyzed separately via the Charlson index). Scores should therefore be interpreted together with a full clinical assessment.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. This calculator runs 100% in your browser (client-side). No data is sent, stored, or tracked on any server.