How to Use the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Calculator
The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) is the most widely used international standard for assessing physical nicotine dependence, used routinely in smoking cessation clinics and clinical practice. This calculator uses the original 6 questions exactly as designed, covering time to first cigarette after waking, urge to smoke in restricted areas, the cigarette you'd hate most to give up, daily cigarette count, morning smoking intensity, and whether you smoke even while sick.
The total score ranges from 0 to 10, with the first-cigarette timing and daily cigarette count weighted more heavily than the other items. This reflects research showing that smoking soon after waking and smoking more cigarettes per day are both strong markers of physical dependence. Scores are interpreted as 0-2 very low, 3-4 low, 5 moderate, 6-7 high, and 8-10 very high.
Higher scores often mean stronger withdrawal symptoms, so combining nicotine replacement therapy — patches or gum — with cessation support tends to work better than quitting alone. Many smoking cessation clinics and programs offer free counseling and aids, so it's worth reaching out. This result does not replace a medical diagnosis, and your specific quit plan should always be decided together with a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scores of 0-2 indicate very low dependence, 3-4 low, 5 moderate, 6-7 high, and 8-10 very high. Higher scores mean you may benefit more from professional support like nicotine replacement therapy when quitting.
The FTND (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) is an internationally standardized scale that measures physical nicotine dependence through 6 questions, including time to first cigarette and daily cigarette count.