SF-36 Clinical Pro
Standardized 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Engine
Complete the 36-item survey to
visualize health dimensions
Interpreting the 8 Domains of SF-36
The SF-36 is a multi-purpose, short-form health survey with only 36 questions. It yields an 8-scale profile of functional health and well-being scores as well as psychometrically-based physical and mental health summary measures.
Clinical Norms
A score of **100** represents the highest level of health/function in that domain. Most healthy US adults score between 70-90 across domains.
- Physical Functioning: Ability to perform physical activities (climbing stairs, carrying groceries).
- Vitality: Levels of energy vs. fatigue.
- Social Functioning: Impact of health on social interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SF-36 and RAND-36?
The items are identical, but the scoring for the "Bodily Pain" and "General Health" scales differs slightly. This calculator uses the standard SF-36 scoring algorithm.
Can SF-36 diagnose diseases?
No. It is a **Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL)** measure. It tracks the burden of a disease and the effectiveness of treatments from the patient's perspective.
Clinical Bibliography
- 1. Ware JE Jr, Sherbourne CD. The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care. 1992.
- 2. McHorney CA, et al. The MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36): II. Psychometric and clinical tests of validity in measuring physical and mental health constructs. 1993.
CLINICAL RESOURCE