How this calculator works
Administer Ewing's original four questions, then transfer 1 for each affirmative response and 0 for each negative response. The letters refer to cutting down, reactions to criticism, guilt and morning drinking. The original questionnaire asks about lifetime experience, so a score may reflect an earlier period rather than current drinking. No missing response is treated as a negative. This page preserves the score without paraphrasing the questionnaire as a new self-test. The result is an estimate for information only and is not medical advice.
Formula
CAGE score = C + A + G + E, with each item coded 0 or 1. Range: 0 to 4.
Worked example
Codes 1, 0, 1, 0 give 2. Codes 0, 0, 0, 1 give 1.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as CAGE-AID?
No. CAGE-AID changes the scope to include other substances. Use this page for the original alcohol questionnaire only.
Can the result reflect past drinking?
Yes. The original lifetime wording can remain positive after someone stops drinking.
Is a zero a guarantee that drinking is harmless?
No. A brief screen can miss problems and does not quantify drinking or replace clinical assessment.