# Duke Treadmill Score Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/duke-score/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Duke treadmill score calculator combines exercise time on the Bruce protocol, ST-segment deviation and angina during a stress test to estimate the risk of coronary artery disease and annual mortality.

## Inputs

- Exercise time (Bruce protocol) (min)
- Maximum ST deviation (mm)
- Angina during the test

## Results

- Duke treadmill score
- Risk group

## Formula

```
DTS = exercise time (min) − 5 × maximum ST deviation (mm) − 4 × angina index
Angina index: 0 none, 1 non-limiting, 2 exercise-limiting
Low risk ≥ 5 · moderate −10 to 4 · high ≤ −11
```

## Explanation

The Duke treadmill score was developed at Duke University in 1987 and is one of the best-validated ways to turn an exercise ECG into a prognosis. Low-risk patients have an annual mortality of about 0.25%, high-risk patients about 5%.

### How to use the Duke Treadmill Score Calculator

- **Exercise time (Bruce protocol)**
- **Maximum ST deviation**
- **Angina during the test**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the exercise duration on the standard Bruce protocol, the largest ST deviation (other than in aVR) and the angina index.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterExercise time (Bruce protocol)In minMaximum ST deviationIn mmAngina during the testChoose one: None, Non-limiting angina, Angina that stopped the test

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Exercise time** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Exercise time (Bruce protocol) (min)Duke treadmill score4.5-0.56.751.89411.256.313.58.51813
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Exercise time (Bruce protocol): 9 min; Maximum ST deviation: 1 mm; Angina during the test: None.

Results — **Duke treadmill score = 4**; Risk group = Moderate risk (≈ 1.25%).

## Key terms

- **Bruce protocol**: Standard treadmill test with increasing speed and incline every 3 minutes.

## FAQ

**What is a good Duke treadmill score?**
5 or higher.

**Does it work for women?**
It was validated in both men and women, though it predicts less well in women.

**Does it apply to other protocols?**
It was built for the Bruce protocol; other protocols need conversion.


## Sources

- [Mark DB et al. Exercise treadmill score for predicting prognosis in coronary artery disease. Ann Intern Med, 1987](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3592475/)