The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is the standard measure of nicotine dependence and helps choose the strength of nicotine replacement therapy. Higher scores predict stronger withdrawal and need for more support when quitting.
How to use the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence
- 1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?
- 2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?
- 3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?
- 4. How many cigarettes a day do you smoke?
- 5. Do you smoke more frequently in the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day?
- 6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.
Scoring table
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| 1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette? | Within 5 minutes = 3; 6–30 minutes = 2; 31–60 minutes = 1; After 60 minutes = 0 |
| 2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| 3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up? | The first one in the morning = 1; Any other = 0 |
| 4. How many cigarettes a day do you smoke? | 10 or fewer = 0; 11–20 = 1; 21–30 = 2; 31 or more = 3 |
| 5. Do you smoke more frequently in the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
| 6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day? | No = 0; Yes = 1 |
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette? | Choose one: Within 5 minutes, 6–30 minutes, 31–60 minutes, After 60 minutes |
| 2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| 3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up? | Choose one: The first one in the morning, Any other |
| 4. How many cigarettes a day do you smoke? | Choose one: 10 or fewer, 11–20, 21–30, 31 or more |
| 5. Do you smoke more frequently in the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day? | Choose one: No, Yes |
| 6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day? | Choose one: No, Yes |
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.
Formula
Score = sum of the points for each item
Worked example
Inputs — 1. How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?: 6–30 minutes; 2. Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where it is forbidden?: No; 3. Which cigarette would you hate most to give up?: The first one in the morning; 4. How many cigarettes a day do you smoke?: 11–20; 5. Do you smoke more frequently in the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day?: No; 6. Do you smoke even if you are so ill that you are in bed most of the day?: No.
Results — Fagerström score = 4 / 10; Nicotine dependence = Low.
Key terms
- FTND
- Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.
Frequently asked questions
What does a high Fagerström score mean?
Strong physical dependence; combination nicotine replacement or medicines like varenicline often help.
Is the test valid for vaping?
It was designed for cigarettes; e-cigarette versions exist.
How can I quit?
Combining medication with behavioural support roughly doubles or triples success.