DASI Calculator (Duke Activity Status Index)

Written by Great Medico

Updated September 25, 2026 •2 min read

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Functional capacity is often easier to describe through real activities than through a vague question like “Are you active?” The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) uses 12 yes/no activities to create a weighted functional-capacity score.

What this calculator does

The calculator asks whether you can perform self-care, walk indoors or 1–2 blocks, climb stairs or a hill, run briefly, do several levels of housework, do yardwork, have sexual relations, take part in moderate recreation and perform strenuous sports. “Yes” answers contribute different weights.

How to use it

Answer based on whether you can currently perform each activity, not whether you enjoy it or do it regularly. A limitation should reflect your physical ability. If another reason—not physical capacity—prevents an activity, interpretation becomes less straightforward.

How the calculation works

Each “Yes” answer adds its established DASI weight; the maximum total is 58.2. This engine then estimates peak oxygen uptake as VO₂ peak = 0.43 × DASI + 9.6 mL/kg/min and divides by 3.5 to express the estimate in metabolic equivalents (METs).

Example

With every activity set to “No,” the demonstration DASI is 0 points. The calculator then gives an estimated VO₂ peak of 9.6 mL/kg/min and about 2.7 METs. Marking higher-demand activities as possible raises both the DASI total and estimated capacity.

How to interpret the result

A higher score suggests greater self-reported functional capacity. DASI is useful for structured history-taking and perioperative assessment, but an estimated VO₂ is not the same as a measured cardiopulmonary exercise test. Recent research also shows the equation can overestimate measured capacity in some populations.

Limitations and notes

DASI depends on self-report and can be affected by joint pain, neurologic limitations, fear, environment or unfamiliarity with an activity. Do not use the estimated METs as a stand-alone clearance for surgery or strenuous exercise; combine the result with clinical assessment and the reason the score is being used.