← All Calculators

COPD Assessment (CAT, mMRC, GOLD)

Answer ten questions about breathlessness, daily symptoms and flare-ups in the past year. The calculator returns your mMRC grade, CAT score and GOLD group (A/B/E) per GOLD 2023.

Reference period: current state and the past 12 months. Pick exactly one answer per question.

0 / 11

1. mMRC — Dyspnea Scale

When does breathlessness occur?

2. CAT — COPD Assessment Test (8 items)

Cough
I never cough ↔ I cough all the time
Phlegm
I have no phlegm in my chest at all ↔ My chest is completely full of phlegm
Chest tightness
My chest does not feel tight at all ↔ My chest feels very tight
Breathlessness on exertion
When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am not breathless ↔ When I walk up a hill or one flight of stairs I am very breathless
Activities at home
I am not limited doing any activities at home ↔ I am very limited doing activities at home
Leaving home
I am confident leaving my home despite my lung condition ↔ I am not at all confident leaving my home because of my lung condition
Sleep
I sleep soundly ↔ I don't sleep soundly because of my lung condition
Energy
I have lots of energy ↔ I have no energy at all

3. Exacerbations (past 12 months)

How many moderate exacerbations (antibiotics or oral steroids without admission) did you have in the past 12 months?

Have you been hospitalized at least once because of an exacerbation in the past 12 months?

Answer every question to see your COPD assessment.

GOLD 2023 ABE matrix

A
Few symptoms, low risk

0–1 moderate, no admission · mMRC ≤ 1 · CAT < 10

B
Many symptoms, low risk

0–1 moderate, no admission · mMRC ≥ 2 or CAT ≥ 10

E
High exacerbation risk

≥ 2 moderate OR ≥ 1 hospitalization

How it works

The calculator combines three validated tools: mMRC (dyspnea scale 0–4 per Bestall, 1999), CAT (8 items × 0–5, total 0–40 per Jones, 2009) and the exacerbation history of the past 12 months. Together they determine your GOLD 2023 ABE group — the basis of initial pharmacotherapy. The spirometric GOLD grade (1–4) requires lung function testing in clinic.

This tool does not replace clinical diagnosis. A COPD diagnosis requires post-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1/FVC < 0.70). For acute breathlessness, fever, or new purulent sputum, seek prompt medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the COPD Assessment calculator measure?+
It quantifies symptom burden (mMRC + CAT) and exacerbation risk (past 12 months) and assigns you to GOLD group A, B or E. These groups guide initial COPD therapy per GOLD 2023.
What do the GOLD groups mean?+
GOLD 2023 uses three groups: A (few symptoms, low risk), B (many symptoms, low risk), E (high exacerbation risk). Group drives initial pharmacotherapy.
What is the difference between mMRC and CAT?+
mMRC captures dyspnea only via five graded statements (0–4). CAT covers eight symptom and quality-of-life dimensions (cough, phlegm, energy, sleep, etc.) and is more sensitive. GOLD recommends CAT as the preferred tool.
What is an exacerbation?+
An acute worsening of respiratory symptoms requiring a change in therapy. Moderate = outpatient antibiotics and/or oral steroids. Severe = hospitalization.
Do I need spirometry?+
Yes — a COPD diagnosis requires post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 0.70. This calculator stratifies risk in established COPD or signals when assessment is worth pursuing.
How often should I repeat the assessment?+
Every 6–12 months when stable. Sooner with any therapy change, after an exacerbation, or with noticeable worsening. Trends matter more than a single value.
What if I'm in Group E?+
Group E means high exacerbation risk. Discuss dual or triple bronchodilation with your pulmonologist, possible inhaled steroids (when eosinophils ≥ 300/µL), smoking cessation, and pneumococcal/influenza vaccination.

Related Calculators

Alcohol Unit Calculator

Calculate your weekly alcohol consumption in UK units, grams of pure alcohol, and health risk.

Anemia Risk Calculator

Estimate your anemia risk from hemoglobin level, sex, and clinical symptoms.

Anion Gap Calculator

Calculate anion gap and classify metabolic acidosis. Includes albumin correction.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Calculator

Calculate left, right and overall ABI from four cuff pressures. Screen for peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Background

COPD Assessment Guide: CAT, mMRC, and GOLD Group Explained

9 min