Introduction
The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a short 12-question survey that measures how well a person can handle everyday activities.1 It asks simple things: Can you dress yourself? Can you climb stairs? Can you run a short way? Each "Yes" adds points. Each "No" adds nothing.
This DASI calculator adds up your points and turns them into two numbers: your peak VO₂ (how much oxygen your body can use during hard work) and your METs (metabolic equivalents, a common way doctors rate fitness). It uses the standard formula: Peak VO₂ = (0.43 × DASI) + 9.6.3 It then divides by 3.5 to get METs.4
Doctors often use this tool before surgery. A score of 4 METs or more usually means lower risk during and after an operation.2 A DASI score above 34 is linked to lower odds of death or heart muscle injury in the 30 days after surgery.5 Scores below these marks may mean a patient needs more testing.
The full score runs from 0 to 58.2 points.5 Answer all 12 questions, add your body weight if you want absolute VO₂ values, and press Calculate. You will get your score, your risk tier, a step-by-step breakdown of the math, and charts showing which activities added the most points.
How to use our Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) Calculator
Answer "Yes" or "No" for 12 everyday activities, then add a body weight if you want an absolute oxygen result. The calculator gives you a DASI score, an estimated peak VO₂, and your functional capacity in METs.
1. Take care of yourself: Pick "Yes" if the patient can eat, dress, bathe, and use the toilet alone. Worth 2.75 METs.2
2. Walk indoors: Pick "Yes" if the patient can walk around the house. Worth 1.75 METs.2
3. Walk 1 to 2 blocks on level ground: Pick "Yes" if the patient can walk this far on flat ground. Worth 2.75 METs.2
4. Climb a flight of stairs or walk up a hill: Pick "Yes" if the patient can do this without stopping. Worth 5.50 METs.2
5. Run a short distance: Pick "Yes" if the patient can run, even a little. Worth 8.00 METs.2
6. Light work around the house: Pick "Yes" for dusting or washing dishes. Worth 2.70 METs.2
7. Moderate work around the house: Pick "Yes" for vacuuming, sweeping, or carrying groceries. Worth 3.50 METs.2
8. Heavy work around the house: Pick "Yes" for scrubbing floors or moving heavy furniture. Worth 8.00 METs.2
9. Yardwork: Pick "Yes" for raking, weeding, or pushing a mower. Worth 4.50 METs.2
10. Have sexual relations: Pick "Yes" if the patient is able to. Worth 5.25 METs.2
11. Moderate recreational activities: Pick "Yes" for golf, bowling, dancing, or doubles tennis. Worth 6.00 METs.2
12. Strenuous sports: Pick "Yes" for swimming, singles tennis, basketball, or skiing. Worth 7.50 METs.2
Body mass: Type the patient's weight and pick kg, lb, st, or g. You only need this for absolute VO₂ in mL/min or L/min.
Peak VO₂ display unit: Choose mL/kg/min for the relative value, or mL/min and L/min for the absolute value.
Calculate: Press this button after all 12 questions are answered to see your score, charts, and step-by-step math.
Reset: Press this to clear every answer and start over.
What Is the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI)?
The Duke Activity Status Index, or DASI, is a short 12-question survey that measures how well a person can handle daily physical tasks. It was created in 1989 by Dr. Mark Hlatky and his team at Duke University.1 Each question asks if you can do one activity, like walking, climbing stairs, doing housework, or playing sports. You answer only "Yes" or "No."
How the DASI Score Works
Every activity has its own MET weight. Harder tasks, like running or heavy housework, are worth more points. You add up the weights for every task you can do.4 The lowest score is 0 and the highest score is 58.2.5 A higher score means better fitness and a stronger heart.
What Are METs?
A MET is a metabolic equivalent. It shows how much oxygen your body uses. One MET is the energy you use while sitting still and resting, which equals about 3.5 mL of oxygen per kilogram of body weight each minute.6 Walking very slowly, under 2 mph, is 2.3 METs.7 Climbing stairs at a slow pace is 4.5 METs.7 Running at 4 mph is 6.5 METs, and faster running takes more.8
Turning the Score Into Peak VO₂
The DASI score can estimate peak VO₂. Peak VO₂ is the most oxygen your body can use during hard exercise. The formula is: Peak VO₂ = (0.43 × DASI score) + 9.6.3 Then divide that number by 3.5 to get METs.4 This gives doctors a fitness estimate without a treadmill test.
Why Doctors Use the DASI
Doctors often use the DASI before surgery. Patients who can reach 4 METs or more usually handle surgery better.2 Patients under 4 METs may face more risk and may need extra heart tests first.2 A DASI score below 34 is linked to higher odds of death or heart attack within 30 days after surgery, and of serious complications in the hospital.5 A score above 34 is linked to lower odds of death or heart muscle injury within 30 days.5
Functional Capacity Groups
Heart guidelines for surgery sort functional capacity into four groups by METs.2
- Under 4 METs: Poor functional capacity, with higher risk around surgery.2
- 4 up to 7 METs: Moderate functional capacity.2
- 7 to 10 METs: Good functional capacity.2
- Over 10 METs: Excellent functional capacity.2
Good to Know
The DASI is quick, free, and needs no special gear. But it is based on what the patient says, not on a real exercise test. People may guess wrong about what they can do. Pain, joint problems, or lung disease can also lower the score even when the heart is healthy. The DASI is one piece of the picture, not a full diagnosis. Always talk with a doctor about your results.