Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) Calculator

Score breakdown

How FTND scoring works

Each answer has fixed points. Questions 1 and 4 count up to 3 points each; the other four questions count 0 or 1 point:

• Q1 — First cigarette after waking: within 5 min = 3, 6–30 min = 2, 31–60 min = 1, after 60 min = 0
• Q2 — Hard to refrain where smoking is forbidden: Yes = 1, No = 0
• Q3 — Cigarette you would hate most to give up: first in the morning = 1, any other = 0
• Q4 — Cigarettes per day: 10 or less = 0, 11–20 = 1, 21–30 = 2, 31 or more = 3
• Q5 — Smoke more in the first hours after waking: Yes = 1, No = 0
• Q6 — Smoke even when so ill you are in bed most of the day: Yes = 1, No = 0

Source: Heatherton TF, Kozlowski LT, Frecker RC, Fagerström KO. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence: a revision of the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire. Br J Addict. 1991;86(9):1119–1127; scoring cut-points per Fagerström K. Nicotine Tob Res. 2012;14(1):75–78.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)?

The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is a 6-question screening questionnaire developed by Heatherton, Kozlowski, Frecker, and Fagerström in 1991. It estimates how dependent a person is on nicotine from cigarettes based on habits such as how soon after waking they smoke and how many cigarettes they smoke per day.

How is the FTND scored?

Each of the 6 questions carries fixed points. Question 1 (time to first cigarette) and question 4 (cigarettes per day) are scored 0–3 points each; questions 2, 3, 5, and 6 are scored 0 or 1 point each. The total ranges from 0 to 10. For example, answering “within 5 minutes” on question 1 gives 3 points, while answering “No” on question 2 gives 0 points.

What do the FTND score bands mean?

The standard clinical cut-points are: 0–2 very low dependence, 3–4 low dependence, 5 medium dependence, 6–7 high dependence, and 8–10 very high dependence. Higher scores generally indicate stronger nicotine dependence.

Can you give a worked example of FTND scoring?

Yes. Someone who smokes their first cigarette within 5 minutes of waking (3 points), has no difficulty refraining in forbidden places (0), would hate the first morning cigarette most (1), smokes 21–30 cigarettes per day (2), smokes more in the first hours after waking (1), and does not smoke when ill in bed (0) scores 3+0+1+2+1+0 = 7, which falls in the high dependence band (6–7).

Which two questions carry the most weight?

Question 1 (how soon after waking you smoke) and question 4 (cigarettes per day) can each contribute up to 3 points — together they make up 6 of the 10 possible points. Early-morning smoking and heavy daily use are the strongest signals of dependence.

Is the FTND a medical diagnosis?

No. The FTND is a screening tool, not a diagnosis and not medical advice. If you are concerned about your result, talk to a healthcare professional or a local quitline.

What should I do if my score is high or very high?

High scores (6–7) and very high scores (8–10) generally suggest stronger nicotine dependence. Evidence-based options include combination nicotine replacement therapy or prescription quit aids paired with behavioral counseling — but the right choice is personal, so please consult a healthcare professional. General behavioral tips: set a quit date, identify your triggers, and use a quitline for support.

Can the FTND be used for vaping or other tobacco products?

The FTND was designed and validated for cigarette smokers, so its scores may not accurately reflect dependence on e-cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco.

How often should I retake the FTND?

People often retake it to track change — for example, before and after a quit attempt. Because it asks about current habits, your score can move: quitting for a few weeks and then relapsing may give a different score than the first time.