Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a validated 12-question tool that estimates your peak functional capacity (METs and VO₂max) from everyday activities. It is widely used in cardiac and preoperative risk assessment.
Self-care (eating, dressing, using the toilet)
Walk indoors on level ground
Walk 1–2 blocks on level ground at 3–4 km/h
Climb a flight of stairs or walk up a hill
Run a short distance
Do light work around the house (dusting, washing dishes)
Do moderate work (vacuuming, sweeping, carrying groceries)
Do heavy work (scrubbing floors, lifting furniture)
Do yard work (raking leaves, weeding, pushing mower)
Have sexual relations
Participate in moderate recreation (golf, bowling, dancing)
Participate in strenuous sports (swimming, singles tennis, football)
4–7 METs — moderate functional capacity
- 1
DASI score (Σ checked activity weights)
10.7 - 2
Estimated VO₂max
0.43 × 10.7 + 9.6 = 14.2 - 3
Functional capacity (METs)
14.2 ÷ 3.5 = 4.11 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min; matches the METs value in the stats panel.
How does this calculator work?
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) sums MET-weighted yes/no answers across 12 everyday activities (max 58.2). VO₂max is estimated as 0.43 × DASI + 9.6 mL/kg/min, converted to METs by dividing by 3.5. A result below 4 METs signals poor functional capacity and higher cardiac risk.
Formula
How this is calculated
The DASI assigns a MET-based weight to 12 everyday activities reflecting increasing physical demand — from basic self-care (2.75 METs) to strenuous sports (7.50 METs). You answer yes or no to each; the total is your DASI score (maximum 58.2). Hlatky et al. (1989) derived a regression equation — VO₂max = 0.43 × DASI + 9.6 — to convert that score into peak oxygen consumption in mL/kg/min, which is then divided by 3.5 to express functional capacity in METs.
A DASI score below 4 METs of functional capacity corresponds roughly to being unable to climb a flight of stairs and is considered poor, associated with higher perioperative cardiac risk. A result above 10 METs is excellent and associated with low cardiac risk. These thresholds are used in guidelines such as the ACC/AHA perioperative guidelines.
Limitations: the questionnaire is self-reported and depends on honest, accurate recall. It estimates, rather than measures, VO₂max and is not a substitute for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. It was validated in a cardiac population and may be less accurate in athletes or very sedentary individuals.
Frequently asked questions
A DASI score translating to < 4 METs suggests poor functional capacity and higher perioperative cardiac risk. Scores ≥ 7 METs are generally considered adequate for most non-cardiac surgery without further cardiac testing.
The Hlatky 1989 regression has moderate accuracy (r ≈ 0.58 against direct VO₂max testing). It is useful as a rapid screen, not a precise measurement — cardiopulmonary exercise testing remains the gold standard.
Yes — the DASI is also used in general preoperative risk stratification and as a quick functional status screen in elderly patients. However, its primary validation is in coronary artery disease populations.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/duke-score-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/duke-score-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/duke-score-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_duke_score_calculator, title = {Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/duke-score-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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