CAGE Questionnaire Calculator

Answer four yes/no questions about your drinking habits to get your CAGE score. Enter your responses to Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener — and your total score plus a plain-language interpretation tells you whether your alcohol use may need attention.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

C — Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking? *

Score +1 for Yes

A — Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? *

Score +1 for Yes

G — Have you ever felt Guilty about drinking? *

Score +1 for Yes

E — Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (Eye-opener) to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover? *

Score +1 for Yes

Results

CAGE Score

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Interpretation

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Risk Level

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CAGE questionnaire stand for?

CAGE is an acronym of its four questions: C stands for Cut down, A for Annoyed, G for Guilty, and E for Eye-opener. Each letter refers to a key behavioral sign associated with problematic alcohol use.

What is a positive CAGE score?

A score of 1 or more is generally considered a positive screen and warrants further evaluation. A score of 2 or higher is widely regarded as clinically significant and strongly suggests an alcohol use disorder that should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How is the CAGE score calculated?

Each 'Yes' answer scores 1 point, and each 'No' scores 0. The four responses are summed for a total score ranging from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of alcohol dependence or problem drinking.

Who developed the CAGE questionnaire?

The CAGE questionnaire was developed in 1968 at North Carolina Memorial Hospital by Dr. John Ewing. It was designed to provide a brief, easy-to-administer screening tool for detecting problem drinking behaviors in clinical settings.

Can the CAGE questionnaire diagnose alcoholism?

No. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive result indicates that further clinical assessment is warranted, but only a qualified healthcare professional can make a formal diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.

Is the CAGE test only used for alcohol screening?

While originally designed for alcohol, the CAGE questionnaire has been adapted for drug use as well. The CAGE-AID (Adapted to Include Drugs) version asks the same four questions but includes both alcohol and drug use, broadening its screening scope.

How accurate is the CAGE questionnaire?

The CAGE questionnaire has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in clinical studies. At a threshold of 2 or more, sensitivity ranges from about 60–95% and specificity from 40–95% depending on the population. It is best used as a first-line screen rather than a standalone diagnostic tool.

What should I do if I score 2 or higher on the CAGE test?

A score of 2 or more suggests you may be experiencing problem drinking and it is recommended that you speak with a doctor or mental health professional. They can conduct a more thorough evaluation and discuss appropriate support or treatment options.