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Categories: Assessment , Health & Fitness , Psychology
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The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is a 20-item questionnaire that measures how much specific traumatic-stress symptoms have bothered you during the last month. Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it spans intrusion, avoidance, negative mood, and hyper-arousal domains to provide a broad clinical snapshot.

This single-page tool lets you complete the PCL-5 on any modern device. Rate each statement from “Not at all” to “Extremely”, then review an automatic total score and colour-coded cluster averages displayed on a gauge and a radar chart for quick visual insight.

Use it to track symptom change or decide whether to seek professional support; never rely on an online screener alone. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis or medical advice.

Technical Details:

The total score equals the sum of all item ratings (0–4 each). Cluster averages follow DSM-5 groupings and are compared with recommended cut-offs to flag symptom clusters that meet screening criteria.

  • Intrusion (B) – items 1–5 – average of five ratings
  • Avoidance (C) – items 6–7 – average of two ratings
  • Negative mood (D) – items 8–14 – average of seven ratings
  • Hyper-arousal (E) – items 15–20 – average of six ratings
Severity bandTotal-score range
Minimal / None0 – 10
Mild11 – 23
Moderate24 – 32
Severe33 – 80

All calculations run locally in your browser; no responses are transmitted or stored server-side.

Calculations & Scoring:

The tool performs two primary calculations: the overall PCL-5 total and the average severity of each DSM-5 symptom cluster.

Total Score

Sum of all item ratings (0–80).

213···4
Ratings The list contains twenty numbers between 0 and 4.

2+1+3+\u22EF+4
37 Adding every rating yields the total raw score.
The example ratings produce a total PCL-5 score of 37 (Moderate severity).

Cluster Averages

Average rating for each symptom cluster.

R{1-5}=32231
Identify the five intrusion items (1-5) and their ratings.

3+2+2+3+1=11
Add the ratings to obtain the cluster subtotal.

11÷5=2.2
Divide the subtotal by five to get the average cluster severity.
The intrusion cluster’s average severity is 2.2 on a 0-4 scale.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to complete the assessment:

  1. Click Start Assessment to load the first question.
  2. Read the statement and choose a response from “Not at all” to “Extremely”.
  3. Watch the progress bar update toward 100 % as you answer.
  4. Use the right-hand question list to revisit any item marked with a green check icon.
  5. After the final item, review the coloured badge showing Total score – Severity.
  6. Scroll down to inspect the gauge, radar chart, and printable table of your answers.

FAQ:

Common questions about this PTSD screening tool:

What is the PCL-5?

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 is a validated 20-item self-report instrument used worldwide to screen for post-traumatic stress symptoms and monitor treatment outcomes.

How is severity determined?

The total of all ratings places you in one of four bands—Minimal / None, Mild, Moderate, or Severe—based on thresholds published by the National Center for PTSD.

Why are there clusters B, C, D, E?

Clusters group symptoms by DSM-5 criteria: intrusion (B), avoidance (C), negative thoughts/mood (D), and hyper-arousal (E). Meeting thresholds in all four clusters suggests a positive PTSD screen.

Is my data stored?

No. All calculations happen in your browser; your responses never leave your device and vanish when you close the page.

Can this diagnose PTSD?

No. A qualified mental-health professional must conduct a full clinical evaluation that includes trauma exposure and functional impairment assessments.

Troubleshooting:

Having issues? Try these solutions:

  • Gauge or radar chart not visible – refresh the page; ensure graphics acceleration is enabled.
  • Progress bar stuck – check that every question has exactly one option selected.
  • Total score reads “—” – reload the page and restart; cached responses may be corrupt.
  • Buttons unresponsive on mobile – disable any content-blocking browser extensions.
  • Printed table cuts off – choose landscape orientation and reduce scale to 90 %.

Advanced Tips:

Get more from the assessment:

  • Bookmark the results URL to compare scores over time.
  • Repeat the checklist weekly during therapy to track progress.
  • Use the cluster averages to target specific symptom domains in treatment plans.
  • Discuss score trends with a clinician rather than single snapshots.
  • Combine with functional-impairment measures for a fuller clinical picture.

Glossary:

Key terms used in this tool:

PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, a stress-related mental-health condition.
PCL-5
Twenty-item PTSD Checklist aligned with DSM-5 criteria.
Cluster
Group of related symptoms defined in the DSM-5.
DSM-5
Fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Severity band
Range describing symptom intensity from Minimal to Severe.
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