BDI
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) is a widely used 21-item measure of depression severity. It's a copyrighted instrument — below is what it measures, plus free, validated alternatives you can use today.
What the BDI measures
The BDI-II asks about 21 symptoms of depression — mood, pessimism, guilt, sleep, appetite, and more — over the past two weeks, each rated on a 0–3 scale. It's one of the most-cited depression measures in research and clinical practice.
Who it's for
Adolescents and adults (13+). It measures symptom severity and is not in itself a diagnosis.
Scoring
The 21 items are summed for a total of 0–63, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. The bands above are the standard BDI-II severity ranges.
Severity bands
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–13 | Minimal |
| 14–19 | Mild |
| 20–28 | Moderate |
| 29–63 | Severe |
How to access the BDI
The BDI-II is copyrighted and published by Pearson; it must be purchased and licensed for use, and its items cannot be reproduced freely. If you want a measure you can use and embed at no cost, the alternatives below cover the same clinical ground.
Free alternatives you can use today
These validated measures cover similar clinical ground, are free to use, and are built into Theracharts:
- PHQ-9 — a free, 9-item depression measure mapped to DSM-5 criteria — the most common free alternative.
- CES-D — a free 20-item depression symptom scale with a well-established cutoff.
Interpreting a single score is only half the picture — knowing when a change is real matters too. See how assessment scoring works for severity bands, cutoffs, and reliable change.
Score and track it automatically
Theracharts auto-scores validated assessments, applies the severity bands, flags reliable change, and charts the trend across treatment. Free for up to 10 clients.
Get started freeAll assessmentsFrequently asked questions
Is the Beck Depression Inventory free?
No. The BDI-II is copyrighted and published by Pearson; it must be purchased and licensed. Free alternatives that measure depression severity include the PHQ-9 and the CES-D.
What is a free alternative to the BDI?
The PHQ-9 is the most common free, validated alternative for depression severity, and the CES-D is another. Both are free to use and built into Theracharts.
In crisis? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — free, confidential, 24/7. This page is educational and is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional evaluation.