# Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/wells-pe/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Wells score calculator estimates the clinical probability of pulmonary embolism from seven criteria and gives both the three-tier (low, moderate, high) and two-tier (PE likely or unlikely) interpretation.

## Inputs

- Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT
- PE is the most likely diagnosis
- Heart rate above 100 bpm
- Immobilisation (3+ days) or surgery in the past 4 weeks
- Previous DVT or PE
- Haemoptysis
- Malignancy (treated within 6 months or palliative)

## Results

- Wells score
- Three-tier probability
- Two-tier model

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

Wells criteria are the most widely used way to estimate pre-test probability of PE. "PE unlikely" (4 or less) combined with a normal D-dimer safely rules out PE; "PE likely" patients go straight to CT pulmonary angiography.

### How to use the Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism

- **Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT**
- **PE is the most likely diagnosis**
- **Heart rate above 100 bpm**
- **Immobilisation (3+ days) or surgery in the past 4 weeks**
- **Previous DVT or PE**
- **Haemoptysis**
- **Malignancy (treated within 6 months or palliative)**

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

ItemAnswers and pointsClinical signs and symptoms of DVTNo = 0; Yes = 3PE is the most likely diagnosisNo = 0; Yes = 3Heart rate above 100 bpmNo = 0; Yes = 1.5Immobilisation (3+ days) or surgery in the past 4 weeksNo = 0; Yes = 1.5Previous DVT or PENo = 0; Yes = 1.5HaemoptysisNo = 0; Yes = 1Malignancy (treated within 6 months or palliative)No = 0; Yes = 1

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterClinical signs and symptoms of DVTChoose one: No, YesPE is the most likely diagnosisChoose one: No, YesHeart rate above 100 bpmChoose one: No, YesImmobilisation (3+ days) or surgery in the past 4 weeksChoose one: No, YesPrevious DVT or PEChoose one: No, YesHaemoptysisChoose one: No, YesMalignancy (treated within 6 months or palliative)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.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Clinical signs and symptoms of DVT: No; PE is the most likely diagnosis: Yes; Heart rate above 100 bpm: No; Immobilisation (3+ days) or surgery in the past 4 weeks: No; Previous DVT or PE: No; Haemoptysis: No; Malignancy (treated within 6 months or palliative): No.

Results — **Wells score = 3 / 12.5**; Three-tier probability = Moderate (about 16%); Two-tier model = PE unlikely – check D-dimer.

## Key terms

- **CTPA**: CT pulmonary angiography.

## FAQ

**What is a high Wells score for PE?**
Above 6 (three-tier) or above 4 (two-tier "PE likely").

**What does "PE is the most likely diagnosis" mean?**
That no alternative diagnosis is more likely than PE, in the clinician's judgement.

**Can a D-dimer rule out PE?**
Yes, when the Wells score is 4 or less and the D-dimer is normal.


## Sources

- [Wells PS et al. Derivation of a simple clinical model to categorize patients' probability of pulmonary embolism. Thromb Haemost, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10744147/)