A one-minute check of how good the past two weeks felt. Published by the World Health Organization in 1998, the WHO-5 is the most widely used short measure of subjective well-being. Its five positively-worded items cover cheerfulness, calm, energy, restful waking and interest in daily life — a quick thermometer of emotional state and an initial screen for depression.
The WHO-5 measures your state from the positive side: whether you have felt cheerful, calm, energetic, rested on waking, and interested in daily life. It asks how good you feel, not which symptoms you have.
A percentage score below 50 suggests low well-being that deserves further attention; completing a PHQ-9 depression screen is then recommended. A raw score of 13 or below (roughly 52% or lower) is used in research as a depression screening reference line.
Well-being naturally fluctuates with life events. One low score is not a verdict, but persistently low or clearly falling scores are worth taking seriously — they are often the earliest signal of a mood problem.
Scoring & bands
Over the last two weeks, how much of the time have you felt this way?
0–25 · Very low well-being: Your score suggests very little positive mood over the past two weeks, and things may be quite hard right now. This signal deserves to be taken seriously.
26–50 · Low well-being: Your score is below the 50-point attention line — recovery and positive mood are running low. Worth actively adjusting, and screening further.
51–75 · Moderate well-being: Your score suggests an okay state, with room to improve recovery and enjoyment.
76–100 · Good well-being: Your score suggests good well-being over the past two weeks: positive mood, energy, and interest in life.
FAQ
Does a low WHO-5 score mean depression?
No. It is an indicator of well-being and positive mood. Below 50, the recommended next step is a PHQ-9 screen — not a conclusion.
Why are all the questions positive?
The WHO-5 was designed to measure well-being itself rather than symptoms, which makes it pleasant to take and well suited to tracking your state over time.
How often should I take it?
As a tracking tool, every two weeks to a month shows a meaningful trend — which is more informative than any single score.
Source: World Health Organization. WHO-5 Well-Being Index, 1998
All scales on this site are widely used self-report instruments for self-understanding and screening only — they cannot replace a professional diagnosis. If you need help, please consult a doctor or therapist.