Sepsis qSOFA Score Calculator

Select the three qSOFA criteria to calculate a patient's score, estimate mortality risk, and receive clinical action guidance.

Created by Luis GonzalezLast updated: May 9, 2026

How to Use This Calculator

1
Indicate Respiratory Rate ≥22 breaths/min
Select 'Yes' if the patient's respiratory rate is 22 breaths per minute or higher, or 'No' if it is lower.
2
Assess Systolic Blood Pressure ≤100 mmHg
Choose 'Yes' if the patient's systolic blood pressure is 100 mmHg or less, or 'No' if it is above 100 mmHg.
3
Check for Altered Mentation (GCS <15)
Select 'Yes' if the patient exhibits altered mentation (Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 15), or 'No' if they are alert and oriented.
4
Review the qSOFA Score and Risk
The calculator will display the total qSOFA score, associated sepsis risk level, and estimated mortality risk.

Example Calculation

A clinician is assessing a patient who presents with a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min, a systolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg, and is alert and oriented.

Respiratory Rate ≥22 breaths/min (select)

Yes — RR ≥22 (1 point)

Systolic Blood Pressure ≤100 mmHg (select)

No — SBP >100 mmHg (0 points)

Altered Mentation (GCS <15) (select)

No — Alert and oriented (0 points)

Results

Tips

Rapid Assessment in High-Risk Settings

The qSOFA score is most valuable for rapid bedside assessment in non-ICU settings or emergency departments to quickly identify patients with suspected infection who are at higher risk for poor outcomes.

Combine with Clinical Judgment

A qSOFA score of 2 or more should trigger suspicion for sepsis but must always be interpreted in conjunction with a full clinical assessment, including signs of infection and other organ dysfunction parameters.

Monitor for Trends, Not Just Single Scores

Repeated qSOFA assessments are crucial. A rising score or persistence of a high score (e.g., ≥2) indicates worsening clinical status and necessitates prompt escalation of care, even if initial scores were low.

Assessing Sepsis Risk with the qSOFA Score

The Sepsis qSOFA Score Calculator is a vital tool for rapidly assessing the risk of sepsis-related organ dysfunction in patients with suspected infection. By evaluating three easily obtainable clinical criteria—respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and mental status—it helps clinicians quickly identify individuals who may require urgent intervention. A score of 2 or more, for instance, significantly elevates suspicion for sepsis and is associated with a markedly increased in-hospital mortality rate, often between 10% and 24%.

Clinical Interpretation of Your qSOFA Score

Understanding the qSOFA score's implications is critical for timely clinical decision-making. A score of 0 indicates a low likelihood of sepsis-related organ dysfunction, with an estimated in-hospital mortality risk typically below 1%. A score of 1 suggests a moderate risk, prompting clinicians to consider further assessment for sepsis, as mortality risk rises to approximately 2–3%. Finally, a score of 2 or more signifies a high risk, recommending prompt evaluation and treatment initiation. These thresholds are defined by the Sepsis-3 guidelines and underscore the need for immediate clinical judgment and escalation of care when a high score is present.

How the qSOFA Score is Determined

The qSOFA score is a simple additive model, assigning one point for each of three clinical criteria. It is designed for quick bedside use without the need for lab tests. The score is calculated as follows:

qSOFA Score = Respiratory Rate Point + SBP Point + Mentation Point

Where:

Respiratory Rate Point: 1 if ≥22 breaths/min, 0 if <22 breaths/min.
SBP Point: 1 if ≤100 mmHg, 0 if >100 mmHg.
Mentation Point: 1 if altered (GCS <15), 0 if alert and oriented.

A total score of 2 or more suggests increased risk of poor outcomes.

💡 If initial assessments suggest a patient's fluid status might be a concern, our Dehydration Assessment Calculator can help quantify the severity.

Applying the qSOFA Score in a Clinical Scenario

Consider a patient presenting to the emergency department with a suspected infection. The medical team performs a rapid assessment:

Respiratory Rate: The patient's respiratory rate is 24 breaths/min. This meets the criterion (≥22 breaths/min), so 1 point is assigned.
Systolic Blood Pressure: The patient's SBP is 110 mmHg. This does not meet the criterion (≤100 mmHg), so 0 points are assigned.
Altered Mentation: The patient is alert and oriented, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15. This does not meet the criterion (<15), so 0 points are assigned.

Total qSOFA Score: 1 (1 + 0 + 0).

Based on a score of 1, the patient is at moderate risk. While not meeting the threshold for immediate sepsis protocol initiation (which is ≥2), this score prompts the team to monitor closely and consider further assessment for sepsis, such as lactate levels or a full SOFA score.

💡 For patients experiencing fluid imbalances, our Dehydration Fluid Replacement Calculator can assist in determining appropriate intervention.

Clinical Interpretation of Your qSOFA Score

The qSOFA score provides a quick snapshot of a patient's physiological status, but it's crucial to interpret it within the broader clinical context. For example, a score of 0 suggests a low risk of sepsis-related organ dysfunction, with an estimated in-hospital mortality risk typically less than 1%. A score of 1 indicates moderate risk, where mortality might be around 2-3%, prompting a closer look. However, a score of 2 or more signals a significantly elevated risk (10-24% mortality) and should immediately trigger a full sepsis workup, including looking for other signs of organ dysfunction. The Sepsis-3 guidelines emphasize that while qSOFA can identify at-risk patients, it should not replace comprehensive clinical judgment or the full SOFA score for definitive diagnosis. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for medical advice.

Limitations and Nuances of the qSOFA Score

While valuable for rapid screening, the qSOFA score has specific limitations clinicians must recognize. Firstly, it should not be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for sepsis; a comprehensive clinical evaluation for infection and organ dysfunction is always required. Secondly, in certain patient populations, such as those with chronic respiratory conditions or baseline altered mentation, the qSOFA criteria might be met without acute sepsis, leading to false positives. Conversely, immunocompromised patients or those with subtle signs of deterioration might not meet qSOFA criteria but still be septic. Therefore, clinicians must consider the full clinical picture, patient history, and other objective measures rather than relying solely on the qSOFA score to guide critical decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the qSOFA score and what does it measure?

The quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score is a rapid bedside assessment tool used to identify patients with suspected infection who are at higher risk of sepsis-related organ dysfunction and mortality. It measures three simple clinical criteria: respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min or greater, altered mentation (Glasgow Coma Scale less than 15), and systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less.

What qSOFA score indicates a high risk for sepsis?

A qSOFA score of 2 or more indicates a high risk for sepsis-related organ dysfunction and warrants prompt clinical investigation for sepsis. This threshold suggests a significantly elevated in-hospital mortality risk, ranging from approximately 10% to 24%, depending on the underlying patient population and comorbidities.

Is qSOFA a diagnostic tool for sepsis?

No, the qSOFA score is not a standalone diagnostic tool for sepsis. It is a screening tool designed to quickly identify patients who may be at higher risk and require further evaluation for sepsis. A positive qSOFA score (≥2) should prompt clinicians to investigate for infection and assess for organ dysfunction, but a definitive diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical picture.

What are the three criteria for the qSOFA score?

The three criteria for the qSOFA score, each worth one point, are: a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute or greater, altered mentation (defined as a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 15), and a systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less. Meeting two or more of these criteria suggests a higher likelihood of poor outcomes in patients with suspected infection.